‘Not a game of cards’: Thailand’s Pita on how Lee Kuan Yew’s words keep his focus on political goal, not PM job

THE UNDISPUTED LEADER IN DEMOCRATIC THAILAND

In Rayong, Move Forward has been drumming up support for an upcoming by-election after one of its MPs resigned. 

On Sunday, Mr Pita visited local communities and introduced his party’s policies.

Clad in the party’s colour orange, the young leader received a rousing welcome from excited supporters, who had flocked along the campaign trail to greet him, unfazed by the scorching sun.

One of them is 62-year-old Thong-in Khampumi, a broom seller.

Still feeling hurt by the parliamentary move to block Mr Pita from the premiership, he told CNA he will keep voting for the party as he believes they can change Thailand for the better.

“In the next election, if Move Forward hasn’t been dissolved, it’ll have a landslide win. I’m confident other parties won’t be able to compete,” Mr Thong-in said.

Everywhere he went, Mr Pita was surrounded by large crowds. Many people came with flowers and gifts for the electoral winner, whom they hope will get to lead the country in the future. 

“It may take time but one day, it will be the turn of the people and democracy,” said Pornpicha Taweetham, 29, a Rayong resident.