He said the group's declaration was "merely words" and that the junta was happy to let other nations see that Thailand was "adhering to humanitarian principles." The new group was founded on the anniversary of the revolution in 1932 that changed Thailand from an absolute monarchy into a constitutional one. Its name touches on another historical reference, incorporating "Seri Thai" — "Free Thai" — which was what Thailand's World War II anti-Japanese resistance movement was called. The declaration said the "Seri Thai" term "has a deep resonance with ordinary Thais, reflecting their genuine desires for freedom and dignity." Charupong led the Pheu Thai Party that won the 2011 election, and served under Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a 2006 coup. Since then, supporters and opponents of Thaksin have fought a sometimes violent battle for power.