The setting up of the Action Coalition for Thailand (ACT, or Ruamphalang Prachachartthai) Party might damage the Democrats' support base in the South, its traditional stronghold, former Democrat leader Banyat Bantadtan said on Saturday.
He said the new party would provide more options for voters at the poll. The ACT, which is thought to be closely aligned with many key members of the defunct People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protest movement, is expected to have a good chance of election in some constituencies in the South, particularly in Surat Thani where the PDRC former leader Suthep Thaugsuban and his siblings wield political influence.
Mr Banyat said that despite the likelihood that ACT would emerge as a direct competitor, the Democrats, the country's oldest party, also have strong support and will face down any challenges.
When new parties break into the scene, there is bound to be a contest over who can win MP seats "but this is not such a big deal", he said.
Mr Banyat said Mr Suthep, who now chairs the Muan Maha Prachachon Foundation which replaced the PDRC, has spoken less about supporting Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's return as prime minister after the election.
"Maybe that's because Gen Prayut hasn't performed so well lately," he said.
The former Democrat leader was responding to speculation the ACT was planning to back the regime and join a coalition government.
On Friday, the ACT's registration application was lodged by Thaweesak Na Takuathung, Mr Suthep's lawyer. He said he will approach Mr Suthep to join the new party.
Mr Thaweesak said the party has 32 co-founders, including Thanee Thaugsuban, Mr Suthep's younger brother.
Yesterday, Mr Banyat said the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) should keep an open mind to calls by pro-election groups to hold the general election in November instead of February next year under the revised roadmap.
The NCPO was free to form its own political party to run in the next poll as long as it ensures a level playing field, he said.
He said the reported siphoning of former MPs from parties and political factions into a party-backed by the regime could have an adverse effect on the Democrats.
"Nothing is ever smooth and placid in politics," Mr Banyat said.
Democrat deputy leader Ong-art Klampaiboon said the Democrats have competed with new parties in countless polls in the past and so the ACT's emergence is nothing to be concerned about.
The Democrats would be as competitive as ever and are preparing to field candidates in all 350 constituencies nationwide in the next election.
The party has more than 100,000 registered members who will be choosing the party's MP candidates, said Mr Ong-art.
Prasarn Marukapitak, a former member of defunct National Reform Council, said he had a part to play in establishing the ACT.
He insisted the party is not destined to be a military party to secure Gen Prayut's comeback as premier post-election.
One of the party's mantras is to be independent, he said, adding that the party will only attach importance to resolutions passed by its members.