31-10-2023 (BANGKOK) Pita Limjaroenrat, the young Thai reformist leader who garnered the most votes in the elections but was denied office, expressed his optimism on Monday for lasting changes, even as his own political prospects remain uncertain.
Mr. Pita’s Move Forward Party emerged victorious in the May elections, riding on the support of disenchanted young and urban Thais who had endured nearly a decade of rule by military-linked parties. However, despite this success, Move Forward found itself in the opposition as election runners-up Pheu Thai formed an alliance with pro-military factions. Meanwhile, Mr. Pita himself faces suspension from Parliament as the Constitutional Court deliberates on his alleged ownership of a now-defunct media company.
During a visit to Washington, Mr. Pita acknowledged that his reformist camp needed to “restrategize” due to the opposing side’s control over the electoral system. He emphasized that he wasn’t planning to challenge the government constantly, stating, “I have time. I can wait.”
The 43-year-old Harvard-educated businessman, while promising to be “constructive,” outlined his focus on presenting an “alternative Thailand” on a range of issues, from climate change to the challenges of an aging society and digital disruption.
“It takes time – not just winning elections, but also dominating ideas,” he said.
Mr. Pita’s party encountered fierce opposition from the conservative establishment due to its commitment to relaxing Thailand’s strict royal anti-defamation laws. The current Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has formed a new coalition that brings together his Pheu Thai party – long associated with tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra – and supporters of the military, which had toppled prime ministers from Thaksin’s lineage in 2006 and 2014.
Mr. Pita highlighted that the aftermath of the recent election reflected a “realignment” of political forces in Thailand.
“The people of Thailand have spoken,” he said. “Radical is the new normal.”
