Thailand coup: Ex-lawmakers launch first official opposition group

BANGKOK: The former president of the toppled Thai ruling party on Tuesday launched the first official opposition group to the nation's coup-making junta, bidding to draw together dissidents within the country and outside its borders.

Jarupong Ruangsuwan, who was president of the Puea Thai party as well as a senior minister, will lead the "Organistation of Free Thais for Human Rights and Democracy" from self-exile in an unnamed country, according to a declaration marking the group's founding.