Suthep Thaugsuban has expressed confidence the Action Coalition for Thailand Party (ACT) he co-founded will be part of a coalition which will form the next government.
Mr Suthep visited the Patthawikorn market in Bung Kum district of Bangkok to encourage people to join the ACT, whose status as a political party is pending approval by the Election Commission (EC).
The former chief of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protest movement said he had full confidence ACT will emerge from the election, expected in late February next year, a partner in the next government.
"The party has a strong chance of joining the government because it has more than a million supporters nationwide and is a party that truly belongs to the people.
"This is what makes the party appealing to other parties, including those with the prospect of forming the next government," Mr Suthep said.
The PDRC claimed more than a million people joined its protest against the Yingluck Shinawatra administration in late 2013.
"Whichever parties form the next government, they will want to invite us in," he said, adding that hooking up with the next government would give the ACT the opportunity to push for national reforms.
Mr Suthep received a warm welcome from many at the market, who blew whistles in homage to those blown during the PDRC protests.
He said the ACT will not "undercut" the Palang Pracharat Party's votes in the election. Palang Pracharat is reputed to be pro-regime with its top executives already occupying cabinet posts.
Mr Suthep added he personally supports Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. However, the ACT will need to pass a resolution on whether it favours Gen Prayut's return as premier.
The ACT co-founder said the party is planning ahead for when the EC approves its registration as a full-status political party.
In the meantime, the party has asked prospective members to sign a written form to show their intention to join once it is given the green light.
Mr Suthep said the party plans to field candidates in every province in the next poll.
However, the ACT faces accusations of canvassing for votes, which is currently illegal since the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has not fully lifted its ban on political activities.
The ACT's rally to attract new members has been interpreted by critics as pre-election canvassing, which is not permitted.
The NCPO has eased some restrictions to enable political parties to register new members and nominate MP candidates.
EC deputy secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmi said of the meeting: "The NCPO's ban doesn't only bar election canvassing, but acts which endanger national security and cause unrest.
"Speaking in public to encourage people to apply for party membership may violate the ban on public unrest, for example."
.png?w=600)
