The Move Forward Party (MFP) aims to win between 270-300 MP seats in the next election and has outlined a six-point agenda to overhaul the country.
At the main opposition party’s first Policy Fest in Bangkok on Sunday, Pita Limjaroenrat, its advisory chairman and list MP, said the MFP has carved out an agenda that contains solutions to immediate, priority issues to reform the country.
The policy would involve pushing for economic growth, cultivating knowledge to keep up with the changing world, upgrading the quality of life in rural developments, comprehensive bureaucratic reform and realising a full-fledged democracy.
"I believe we can turn challenges into energy to drive the country forward," he said.
“Like us or loathe us, we all faced the reality of the lost decade under the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration which seized and remained in power until last year’s election.
“There’s no denying the MFP won the polls fair and square. [The party] did not spend a single baht buying votes,” he added.
Mr Pita insisted the MFP did not mind being in the opposition wing.
In fact, he said, working opposite the government with a pro-active approach may prove to be even more productive.
In a democracy, an active opposition can also be a source of hope for the people.
He admitted the MFP still has a long way to go to improve itself.
However, it must win the trust and confidence of the people and to do that, the party might need to capture the majority by winning at least 270 MP seats or even better, 300 seats, in the next election, Mr Pita said.
That target doubles the 151 seats the MFP took in last year’s election. There are 500 MP seats up for grabs in the House of Representatives.
The MFP chief adviser said an effective government should direct agenda-centric rather than ministry-initiated policies.
Meanwhile, Mr Pita said the party was ready to file additional documents after the Constitutional Court agreed to extend the deadline in the party's dissolution case by another 15 days to June 2.
The Election Commission (EC) petitioned for the MFP’s dissolution after a Constitutional Court ruling on Jan 31 that said the MFP’s push for changes to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law, indicated an intention to undermine the constitutional monarchy.
Mr Pita said if the MFP was dissolved, he was confident its MPs will move to a new party.