Judgement day for Thailand's embattled Pita as parliament votes on PM

In a crucial test of his political strength, Thailand’s prime ministerial hopeful, Pita Limjaroenrat, faces a high-stakes vote on Thursday that could determine his future as the country’s leader. As the leader of the surprise election winners, Move Forward, the 42-year-old is expected to be the sole candidate in the vote. However, he must secure the backing of over half of the 750-member bicameral parliament, which poses a significant challenge.

The May 14 election saw the liberal Move Forward and its alliance partner, Pheu Thai, decisively defeat conservative pro-military parties. Seen as a rejection of nearly a decade of military-influenced governance, the election results signaled a desire for change. Nonetheless, Pita’s determination to pursue Move Forward’s progressive, anti-establishment agenda puts him at odds with a powerful network of conservatives and old-money families who have dominated Thai politics for years. In Thursday’s vote, they are expected to obstruct his path.

Pita has faced numerous obstacles along the way, and just before the vote, he received another setback. Two legal complaints against him gained momentum, leading to pro-democracy demonstrators gathering in Bangkok to protest against what they saw as attempts to prevent Move Forward from taking power. The Constitutional Court announced its decision to take on a complaint against Move Forward for its plan to amend the law that prohibits insulting the monarchy. Additionally, the election commission recommended disqualifying Pita as a lawmaker due to a shareholding violation.

Despite the challenges, Pita remains resilient. In an interview with ThaiRath TV, he acknowledged the attempts to block the majority government but emphasized the difficulties faced on the path to power. He expressed hope for resolving these issues in order to achieve the dreams of his supporters and the people.

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These cases against Move Forward are the latest developments in a long-standing power struggle in Thailand, marked by coups, court interventions, and street protests. If Pita fails to secure victory in the vote, further turbulence can be expected. While his alliance controls 312 seats, obtaining the required 376 votes relies on support from the military-appointed upper house Senate members. If he fails, the alliance must decide whether to continue supporting Pita or nominate another candidate, which could strain their unity as they strive to form the next government.

(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)

Credit: The Star : News Feed