BANGKOK — The scion of a former prime minister known for clean politics and frugal living has made the long-anticipated decision to follow in his footsteps by entering the political fray.

Surabot Leekpai, a well-known television host who grew up in the public eye as the son of former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, said he will join the Democrat Party his father once led with an aim to turn a new page in Thai politics.

“The time for us to use old scores and misunderstandings to stir conflict is over. These things should be over. Politics will not be about division, like in the past, as it belongs to an old era and is very melodramatic,” Surabot, 30, said.

Surabot in 2010 served as a spokesman for the Culture Ministry but has been mostly known as “Pleum VRZO” for programs he hosts on television and YouTube.

In his weekend announcement, Surabot said it was yet unclear if he would compete as a party list MP candidate or campaign for a constituency seat. Surabot said that it will depend on his consultation with the party.

Consistent with the oldest party’s “New Democrat Era” theme, he spoke of a need for more civil political discourse.

“We should seek to cooperate, no matter who is in government or becomes the opposition, to seek common ground and search for people who are best in their respective fields. I believe the future of politics will be like that,” he said.

Surabot said he seeks to communicate with the new generation in a simple manner. He added that he is well versed in the use of social media.

His father, a former party leader and now chairman of its advisory committee, said Monday that his son made the decision by himself. Chuan, 80, is credited with become Thailand’s first prime minister elected without the support of powerful elites in 1992. He was also the last Democrat to be elected to the post when his second term ended in 2001.

He remains a voice for clean politics.

“Do not think of seeking fortune by entering politics,” said Chuan, who is known for living frugally.

Surabot will join a party trying to find its step after nearly two decades playing second fiddle to Pheu Thai Party’s political power.

On Monday, one former Democrat MP, Ramree Mana, complained that he and a number of former MPs have been removed from the party’s Line chat group because they do not support Abhisit Vejjajiva’s continued leadership of the party when it comes up at at a party meeting set for Wednesday.

Ramee said he will seek clarification at the meeting, the party’s first in over four years.

The incident was followed by Chuan sending moral support and urging all to band together to protect the party despite differing opinions.

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LOEI — Environmental and Civil Rights activist Lertsak Kamkongsak has been elected leader of Commoner Party.

Almost 300 members of the new party from throughout the kingdom converged on Loei province for its first meeting, one of many since the junta partially eased its ban on civilian politics in the run-up to a possible February election.

Some army officers went to observe the meeting Saturday and warned them not to violate the regulations of the Election Commission.

Grassroots organizer Kittichai Ngamchaipisit was chosen by 294 members as secretary general and political activist Pakorn Areekul as party spokesman. Four deputies were elected on the same day, including LGBT and human rights activist Chumaporn Taengkliang.

“We expect elections next year. From now, we will launch a commoner caravan to listen to people’s aspirations and come up with policies. We will also disarm the junta’s weapons with our bare hands by pushing for the abrogation of their orders so they won’t pose obstacles,” Lertsak said.

“It’s time for commoners… We have started walking and we walk into the parliament to solve problems by ourselves,” Kittichai said Saturday in a brief statement read on behalf of the party.

“We are just performing our duty for common people,” said deputy leader Chumaporn, adding that the party will also push for gender equality. “As a deputy leader, let me reiterate that the voices of the people will be most important.

The party motto is: grassroots democracy, egalitarianism and human rights.

Kittichai said the party would allow its members to determine policy.

Other policies discussed included demilitarizing the junta, shutting down a gold mine blamed for sickening a Loei community and legalizing liquor production.

On Facebook, some praised the party for its unconventional meeting. Facebook user Midori Kikochi wrote:

“No suits, no hotel, just two bare hands.”

The meeting took place on the lawn of a Wat Noensawang. Many in attendance were rural residents wearing T-shirts printed with the party logo.

BANGKOK — Ditching the evasive non-answers he’s given for months, junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha on Monday for the first time confirmed he’s interested in a political career.

Gen. Prayuth told reporters at the Government House he has yet to decide which party or who he will support, even as he maintained he will not quit his powerful posts as prime minister and junta chief while he mulls his political allegiance.

“I can answer right now that I am interested in a politics job,” Prayuth said. “As for my decision of who I will support, it’s another matter that takes some time. I will tell you later.”

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He said his decision to trade his uniform for a suit is driven by love of country.

“I used the term ‘interested in politics’ because I love my country, like all Thais who love their country,” Prayuth said. “But ultimately, it’s up to the people to have their say in the future.”

Prayuth’s confirmation will come off as little or no surprise to many observers. There has been speculation for over a year that the junta chairman would seek to retain power after the next civilian government is installed.

Prayuth’s publicity machine has ramped up as have his travels outside of the capital for many campaign-style events. Still, until today, he had refused to clarify his intentions for the poll set to take place in February.

There are already parties pledging support for Prayuth, including the Palang Pracharat Party, which has been “poaching” former Pheu Thai members into its ranks.

Its leader said Monday that he has no immediate plan to invite the junta chairman to join.

“We don’t have this idea for now,” Suchart Chantaramanee said by phone.

He said his party has not yet held an executive meeting, so this matter will be decided later.

“Since he says he’s interested, I think there will be many parties that are interested in inviting him, too,” Suchart said. “It’s up to him to decide.”

At today’s news conference, Prayuth also told reporters he will not resign from his government posts in the meantime.