Youth-linked orange wave propelleda party to win last Thai poll

As Thais head to the ballot box again on Feb 8, all eyes are again on where the movement stands today and how voters relate to it.



At the last polls, much of the country was awash in an orange progressive wave led by rookie politician and leader of the Move Forward Party Pita Limjareonjat.



Propelled by support from youths and Thais seeking change after years of political polarisation, it defied the opinion polls and won more parliamentary seats than any other party.



Its approach had been emboldened and complemented by mass youth-led protests in the streets in the years prior.



But the movement would run aground as it sought to form an unlikely government.



With other parties joining forces to form a governing coalition, Move Forward Party found itself in opposition as it continued to press for the end of decades-long cycle of military intervention in politics and the dismantling of the influence of traditional elites.