15-9-2023 (BANGKOK) Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP), which secured the most seats in the national elections in May, announced his resignation on Friday.
Limjaroenrat, a young reformist leader, led the MFP to a significant victory in the polls, capitalizing on the public’s frustration with nearly a decade of junta-backed rule. However, despite his party’s success, he was prevented from assuming the role of prime minister due to the influence of entrenched conservative factions in parliament. Later, he was suspended as a member of parliament.
Following these developments, the MFP decided to leave its coalition partnership with the opposition party, Pheu Thai, which subsequently formed a coalition government with pro-military parties. The MFP declared its intention to go into opposition.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Limjaroenrat explained his decision to resign as the MFP’s party leader. He stated that he was stepping aside to allow an MP to take on the role of opposition leader in parliament, a position that, according to current rules, must be held by an MP. However, due to his suspension as an MP, Limjaroenrat acknowledged that he would not be able to assume the role of opposition leader in the near future.
His suspension as an MP occurred in July while awaiting a ruling from the Constitutional Court regarding his ownership of shares in a now-defunct media company. The Thai constitution prohibits MPs from owning media shares.
Despite stepping down as party leader, Limjaroenrat expressed his commitment to remaining closely involved in the MFP. He pledged to work with the party and the people to the best of his ability to achieve their shared goals.
