The New Politics Party, an offshoot of the People's Alliance for Democracy, yesterday decided to endorse Kittisak Rathaprasert as its electoral candidate for the July 25 by-election in Bangkok Constituency 6.
Somsak said the by-election would be the first opportunity for his party to present its policies as a new choice for voters.
Kittisak is a retired general who sits on the party executive board and has secured his candidacy uncontested. Other potential candidates, including Suriyasai Katasila, Saranyu Wongkrajang, Samran Rodphet and Prapan Khoonmee withdrew from the race.
Suriyasai said the endorsement of Kittisak came after a lengthy debate on whether the party should field a candidate.
"New Politics has decided to join the race because Kokaew Pikultong, who is a terrorist suspect, will contest the by-election under the Pheu Thai Party's banner," he said.
Suriyasai said he decided to step aside in order to endorse Kittisak because as party secretary-general he was tied up with other responsibilities, including the vote of the new party leader on July 3 and the campaigning for local elections.
He said the fielding of Kittisak would prove the party wanted to push for its policies instead of relying on individual popularity.
Kittisak ran but failed as an electoral candidate for Bangkok's Bang Sue district under the Democrat banner in the 1995 general election, he said.
In the hustling for votes, the PAD is expected to take part in campaigning on Kittisak's behalf, he said.
Commenting on his candidacy, Kittisak said he would campaign on a platform of promoting good people, rooting out corruption and defending the monarchy in order to advance the aspirations of the PAD.