As Ms Chontica attempts to make the leap from activist to lawmaker, fellow pro-democracy activist Rangsiman Rome, Move Forward’s spokesperson, has already done so.
His first four years as an MP have been an eye-opening experience, he told CNA.
“You don’t get paid by the people’s taxes as a political activist and people don’t expect you to work on all issues,” he said.
“But once you’re a politician, the expectations change. How can you be a MP that cares about democracy, but not about labour rights? Or not about the environment? You can’t. You have to care about it, because the people are paying your salary and they are putting their hopes in you.”
EXPECTATIONS OF SUPPORTERS
The expectations of the party’s supporters is that it stays true to its liberal-progressive ideals, even if it confines them to the opposition bench.
During one rally in Bangkok, party leader Limjaroenrat made it clear that they will not join hands with the parties supporting Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his deputy Prawit Wongsuwan, often referred to by many as “uncles”.
“Our stance is clear: There’s no ‘us’ with the ‘uncles’. And there’ll be no ‘uncles’ with us,” he told the crowd, which responded to him with loud cheers.
“That’s what we’re trying to say (to) really draw the line between what the future looks like and what the past looks like.”