The Democrat Party on Tuesday unveiled its "new generation" of politicians who also presented ideas which they hope will be incorporated into the party's policies.
A group of 21 young politicians calling themselves "New Dem: Step out of the box. 21 people. 21 Policies" made their appearances at the party's head office.
They were led by Parit "Itim" Wacharasindhu, nephew of the recently re-elected Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Mr Parit, 25, an Oxford University graduate who has just finished a six-month stint as a private at the 11th Military Circle, said that he wanted the group to act as a bridge to engage with people who had never voted for the party before, as well as younger people in general.
He said that he and his colleagues would be well placed to find creative solutions to the problems besetting the country, especially more contemporary issues such as gender diversity and the move towards an information society.
Mr Parit said that the New Dem group is not only a strategy to canvass for votes, but it will serve as a hub for the party's younger members in order to help it stay up to date and relevant.
"Many people are not sure if the country's oldest political party can ever change. But let's wait and see. We'll make it happen.
"Unlike the new generation of members of other parties, the Democrats' young politicians are not necessarily the children of politicians. We are not seeking power succession. We are ready to listen to and work with people of all generations. Our group want to engage in constructive politics, not conflict," Mr Parit said.
Among the policy suggestions was Mr Parit's call for an end to mandatory military conscription in favour of voluntary service. He also called for an end to violence directed at new recruits.
Surabot Leekpai, the 30-year-old son of former Democrat leader and ex-prime minister Chuan Leekpai is also among the 21 young-blood politicians.
Another young Democrat politician is Kanawat Chantaralawan, a 29-year-old ophthalmologist, who is vouching for the reclassification of marijuana for medical use.
Mr Abhisit said he was glad to see a new generation of party members express their views openly and freely, and that the party would consider incorporating their ideas into its policies.
He added that each New Dem member will be paired with a veteran former MP who will offer advice and support.
Meanwhile, a source at the Pheu Thai Party said that some of its politicians will defect to the Thai Raksa Chart Party today, which is widely seen as a sister party.
They include Sermsak Pongpanich, former deputy interior minister and father of Lt Preechapol, who is Thai Raksa Chart's leader; former energy minister Pichai Naripthaphan; and Khattiyaa Sawatdiphol, a former Pheu Thai list-MP and daughter of the late red-shirt guard chief Maj Gen Khattiya Sawatdiphol, or Seh Daeng, the source said.
