Lawmakers have blocked Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of Thailand’s reformist Move Forward party, from becoming prime minister. Earlier the same day (Wednesday), a court suspended him from parliament for owning shares in a defunct media company.
Pita and his party won the largest chunk of votes in May’s election as voters rejected Thailand’s decade of military-backed rule.
But to be appointed PM, he then had to convince a majority of lawmakers in both houses. And with Thailand’s current senate being military-appointed, it was an uphill climb for any candidate pledging to upend the status quo.
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In the end, a majority of lawmakers not only blocked Pita’s bid to become PM, but also stopped him from re-nominating. So it may be the end of the road for Pita.
Intrigue’s take: This whole saga has had more plot twists than Gone Girl. Parliament reconvenes on 27 July and there are a few possible scenarios:
- The second-largest party (Pheu Thai) could put forward its own candidate, perhaps dropping Move Forward to win over the senate
- The military could (again) intervene and install another loyalist as prime minister, claiming a need to restore stability, or
- A third option could emerge, like the current deputy PM (a former army chief whose party came 4th).
But… it’s hard to see how any of these military-leaning options could enjoy broad support after May’s stunning election results. So strap yourself in.
Also worth noting:
- Pita’s Move Forward party had pledged to reform Thailand’s strict laws on criticising the monarchy. The military has long invoked its duty to protect the monarchy to justify its political interventions.
- Move Forward supporters and other protesters are now planning to hold a mass march.