So-called young blood Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit is firming up his intention to start a political party, saying he has sounded out his mother about the idea and she did not raise any objections.
The 39-year-old executive vice-president of the Thai Summit Group looks poised to make his first foray into politics, writing on social media over the weekend that he had secured his family's blessing for the move.
"It's time to step forward firmly, and now I have the strongest backing and the most wonderful blessing in the world; from my family," Mr Thanathorn wrote on Facebook.
Mr Thanathorn earlier said he would wait until the second half of this month to see if any new progressive parties emerge from the party registration process.
At that time, he said, if such choices emerge, he and Thammasat University law lecturer Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, who was reported to be the likely co-founder of his party, "might just stay at home".
He said he felt relieved this week after a discussion with his family about his future in politics.
"My mother is my big worry. Before our discussion, I was afraid to hurt her feelings. I don't want to make her cry. I have made her cry for too many times in my life," he wrote.
"Her first question to me was where do I place my priorities, between Thai Summit and Thailand. My short answer was Thailand.
"She looked disappointed. Although she did not give any blessing, she did not oppose me. She did not give me moral support or say any supporting words. But for me, that is approval, her style."
Pheu Thai Party key member Samart Kaewmeechai welcomed Mr Thanathorn's news. He said the young man's attempt to set up a progressive party was welcome and they will not be a faction or extension of Pheu Thai Party as suspected by some critics. They merely shared an anti-dictatorship ideology.
However, he said he was worried Mr Thanathorn's party would have to work hard to get the members needed for a strong party, and that he has too limited a time working on policies to draw support. The only thing it has to offer so far is a request that voters give a new generation of politicians a chance.
The registration of new parties began on March 2 and runs until the end of this month. As of Friday, 55 new parties have registered.
Sombat Boonngamanong, a red shirt leader, also held an event Sunday, at which he fleshed out details of his new party.
On March 1, he announced to would recruit 150 people to join his so-called Krian Party (loosely translated as Firebrands Party). But he has not registered the party yet.
He asserted he was serious about registering but had yet to take the step of visiting the Election Commission. "We will absolutely go ahead with the Krian Party. But I will make an announcement about registration date when we are ready," he said.
He added he's not worried about the number of party's members. "There are over 400 people who registered online but that number may go down to about 200 after we filter it. But I'm not worried, we'll definitely hit 500," he said.
He said his Krian Party aims to become a party of the people which offers a channel for ordinary folk to have their voice heard.
Speaking to a gathering of about 20 people in Bangkok's Thong Lor area Sunday, Mr Sombat said his party hopes to mould public suggestions into public policies.
"Our party aims to create a big think tank that is open source and accessible by the general public. I think this will be valuable to Thai politics in that other parties can access these suggestions and implement them as policies."
Think tanks tend to be operated by big, established parties who focus only on the macro-aspects. "It is impossible for them to focus on small things." he said.
Sombat said the party aspires to imitate the Green Party, whose success lies not in the number of seats it wins in parliament but in the way it mainstreams its agenda so its policies are taken up by established parties.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said last week the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is keeping a close watch on groups of young people touting new parties. As political activities are not allowed yet, the NCPO may give them warnings or put the brakes on their activities if they go too far, Mr Wissanu said.
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