An emphasis on young voters comes three years after student-led protests rocked Thailand by challenging the military's longtime influence over politics.
"I have decided to vote for Move Forward," the 19-year-old Supawut said."For too long we have compromised, trying to change the system gradually, but what Move Forward wants to do is to challenge the patronage system.
Other protest demands that Move Forward has adopted include re-writing the constitution to limit the power of the military, scraping military conscription and replacing appointed provincial governors with elected ones. "Now our supporters come from all groups," said the party's deputy leader, Nattawut Buaprathum."This is an opportunity for us to be in government and truly represent the people."
Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University, said the new ideas championed by younger voters may be resonating more broadly and expanding Move Forward's appeal. "I will vote for Move Forward because the leader has a very good vision for Thailand," said the 45-year-old office worker.If Move Forward does well on Sunday, it could form a coalition with the Shinawatra forces and deny one-time coup leader Prayuth, who is running with one of several conservative parties, another term in power.
Another huge question hanging over the election is whether the military-dominated establishment will let the will of the people take its course in the establishment of a new government.
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