Chris Potranandana, chairman of the non-profit Zendai Foundation and a former member of the Move Forward Party (MFP), has founded the Zendai Party to campaign on a policy of self-reliance without depending on political or business connections.
Chris: Irked by MFP 'politburo'
Mr Chris also co-founded the now-defunct Future Forward Party (FFP) before the MFP was formed.
He resigned from the MFP on Feb 1 to form his own party, claiming the MFP was falling short in its democratic values -- an allegation the party vehemently denies.
He said he jointly founded the FFP with Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, hoping it could embrace and foster true democracy.
Most of the vital decisions in the MFP's general convention, including seeking out party-list candidates, he said, did not come from a majority of the party members but rather from a small "politburo".
However, Mr Chris stressed he was proud to have been a member of the MFP and that he only resigned because he disagreed with the decisions of its management.
On Facebook yesterday, he highlighted the hopes and aspirations of the Zendai Party, saying it will serve as a guardian of truth, justice and fair play without being hamstrung by populist policies.
"We decided to form the party to assist those who have been neglected by the government just because they don't have any connections. The party will prove that Thais can overcome difficulties without relying on the government," he said.