Thailand’s Move Forward Party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, faced a setback in his bid to become the country’s next prime minister. In a parliamentary vote that took place on July 13, Pita failed to secure the necessary support from more than half of the 749-member bicameral parliament. Despite being unopposed in the contest and having the backing of his eight-party alliance, Pita struggled to gather enough support.
The progressive Move Forward party, along with its alliance partner Pheu Thai, emerged as winners in the May 14 election, which was seen as a rejection of the previous decade of government led or supported by the royalist military. Pita’s defeat in the parliamentary vote was a critical test of his political clout and a measure of the opposition to his party’s anti-establishment agenda, which includes removing the military from politics, curbing business monopolies, and amending laws related to insulting the monarchy.
This defeat comes after a challenging two days for Pita, as two legal complaints against him gained momentum on the eve of the vote. One of the complaints recommended his disqualification, leading to hundreds of demonstrators gathering to protest against perceived attempts to keep Move Forward from gaining power.
Pita’s determination to pursue Move Forward’s agenda has put him at odds with powerful conservative forces and old-money families that have dominated Thai politics for decades. It was expected that these forces would try to thwart him in parliament. Despite winning the election with significant support from the youth and popularity in Bangkok, Pita needed to win over some members of the conservative-leaning upper house Senate, which was appointed by the military after a 2014 coup.
Another vote is expected to be held next week, giving Pita another chance to contest if nominated again. This ongoing political battle will continue to shape the future of Thailand’s government and the implementation of Move Forward’s progressive agenda.
Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu Wongcha-um, Orathai Sriring, and Chayut Setboonsarng; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Kanupriya Kapoor
What are the challenges Pita Limjaroenrat faces in his pursuit of Move Forward’s agenda, and how do powerful conservative forces and long-standing influential families play a role in obstructing him in parliament
Thailand’s Move Forward Party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, suffered a setback in his quest to become the country’s next prime minister. In a parliamentary vote on July 13, Pita failed to secure enough support from the bicameral parliament. Despite being unopposed in the contest and having the backing of his alliance, Pita struggled to gather sufficient backing.
The progressive Move Forward party and its ally Pheu Thai emerged victorious in the May 14 election, which was seen as a rejection of the previous decade of military-led or supported government. Pita’s defeat in the parliamentary vote was a crucial test of his political influence and a gauge of the opposition to his party’s anti-establishment agenda, including military withdrawal from politics, curbing business monopolies, and amending laws related to insulting the monarchy.
This defeat comes after a difficult few days for Pita, as two legal complaints against him gained momentum just before the vote. One complaint recommended his disqualification, leading to hundreds of protesters gathering to demonstrate against perceived attempts to prevent Move Forward from gaining power.
Pita’s determination to pursue Move Forward’s agenda has pitted him against powerful conservative forces and long-standing influential families that have dominated Thai politics for decades. It was expected that these forces would try to obstruct him in parliament. Despite winning the election with significant support from the youth and popularity in Bangkok, Pita needed to win over some members of the conservative-leaning upper house Senate, which was appointed by the military after a 2014 coup.
Another vote is scheduled for next week, providing Pita with another opportunity to compete if nominated once again. This ongoing political battle will continue to shape the future of Thailand’s government and the implementation of Move Forward’s progressive agenda.
It’s unfortunate to see that Pita Limjaroenrat’s bid for Prime Minister in Thailand didn’t receive the necessary support. However, this outcome opens up opportunities for fresh perspectives and new leadership to tackle the country’s challenges.
It’s disappointing to see Pita Limjaroenrat fail to gather enough support for his bid as Thailand’s Prime Minister. It raises questions about his ability to garner the necessary backing and unite the country behind his leadership.