Kao Klai (Move Forward) party leader Pita Limjaroenrat has vowed to continue the political will and ideology of the now-defunct Future Forward party and  “be a beacon of hope for desperate people” in Thailand.

The former party-list MP for the Future Forward party said that the new party will represent the poor and disadvantaged, put an end to dictatorial rule and restore democracy.

Pita, who was elected leader of the Kao Klai party today, said that Thailand is at an important turning point, mired in crises which the government, under Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, is incapable of overcoming, and which will plunge the country into an abyss.

He said that the destiny of the Thai people has always been dictated by the privileged class, which includes the military, the bureaucrats and the big monopolistic businesses.

“The voice of the people has never been loud enough to be heeded by the Government or, if it was loud enough, it was ignored,” said Pita, as he blamed the Government for failing to address the COVID-19 outbreak, the PM2.5 dust problem and the economic crisis.

The Kao Klai party, said the young firebrand politician, is aiming for structural change, the scrapping of all junta-enacted orders, an end to conscription and monopolies and, more importantly, amendments to the constitution and cancellation of the Government’s 20-year national strategy.

Pita Limjaroenrat today led 49 other MPs of the former Future Forward, including dissident MP Kharom Polpornklang, to apply for membership of the Kao Klai today.

Party-list MP Kharom, who had earlier threatened to quit, said his last-minute change of mind came after talking with Pita.