The Pheu Thai Party has unveiled a string of new-generation politicians, mostly the offspring of its current members and academics.
Pheu Thai acting leader Pol Lt Gen Viroj Pao-in and acting secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai introduced about 30 young blood politicians on Thursday as new members.
They include Phaophum Rojanasakul, an adviser to the party's secretary-general; Krisada Tanterdthit, deputy secretary-general of the Federation of Thai Industries; political scientist Arunee Kasayanont; Thon Na-Ranong, son of key party figure Kittiratt Na-Ranong; and Dejnatwit Teriyapirom, son of former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom.
Mr Phaophum said the new members have both the skill and ideology to push forward party policies and vision. They are ready to work with current personnel and should integrate well, he added.
Ms Arunee said they were ready to cooperate with all other parties because they intend to reduce political conflicts and help steer the country forward.
She said the young politicians wanted to engage in ''constructive politics'' and avoid trading barbs with each other.
Ms Arunee said she was not concerned about joining Pheu Thai, even though the party is opposed to the military regime. She said she would further the party's causes in a positive way.
Mr Phumtham said the arrival of the new members adds more diversity to the party. Some will run in the general election under the constituency framework while others will stay behind the scenes and focus on policy formulation, he noted.
Key party figures will travel to the provinces from Oct 3 to gather opinions from local people and follow up on the work of the party's branches in Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Samut Prakan.
Asked about a report that members of the powerful Sasomsap family, which wields much influence in Nakhon Pathom, plan to defect to the Bhumjaithai Party, Mr Phumtham said that is their prerogative.
They must choose what's best for them under the current political circumstances, which are complex, he said.
