News AP News Key Thai political party eyes elections with new leaders

Key Thai political party eyes elections with new leaders

The main political party that will oppose Thailand's ruling military government has voted in new leadership as it prepares for elections scheduled for early next year

Key Thai political party eyes elections with new leaders Image Source : APKey Thai political party eyes elections with new leaders

BANGKOK (AP) — The main political party that will oppose Thailand's ruling military government has voted in new leadership as it prepares for elections scheduled for early next year.

The Pheu Thai party named 86-year-old senior party member Viroj Pao-in as its official leader on Sunday, while Phumtham Vechayaychai keeps his role as secretary-general.

It was the first time the party had officially convened with all its members since Thailand's military overthrew a Pheu Thai government in a 2014 coup and introduced a ban on political gatherings of over five people.

Pheu Thai, under different name variations, has won every election since it was founded in 1998 by telecoms tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, sparking deep political divisions in the country.

Disclaimer: This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Associated Press (AP) wire.