20-8-2024 (BANGKOK) In the wake of recent political upheavals that have sent shockwaves through Thailand’s political landscape, Pita Limjaroenrat, the former leader of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party, has called for sweeping reforms to the country’s judiciary. Speaking out against what he perceives as interventions that keep Thailand “going around in circles,” Limjaroenrat’s comments come after two significant court rulings that have reshaped the nation’s political arena.
The 43-year-old politician, who finds himself sidelined despite his enduring popularity, expressed his frustration with the current state of affairs. “It’s back to square one and nothing has been achieved for the people,” Limjaroenrat told Reuters, reflecting on the tumultuous events that saw his party dissolved and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dismissed within a week, both by the same court.
Limjaroenrat’s critique resonates with a broader sentiment of discontent, as evidenced by a statement from 134 Thai academics and legal experts who have accused the court of overstepping its jurisdiction and eroding public trust in legal and democratic systems.
The political turmoil in Thailand is not new, with the country trapped in a two-decade cycle of coups and court rulings that have repeatedly toppled governments. This ongoing power struggle between popularly elected parties and an influential establishment, backed by military and key institutional connections, has left the nation in a state of perpetual political flux.
Despite facing a 10-year political ban, Limjaroenrat remains resolute in his ambition to lead Thailand and implement major reforms. Chief among his goals is the prevention of independent institutions from being politicised, a move he sees as crucial for breaking the cycle of instability.
The ban on Limjaroenrat and his party stemmed from their controversial plan to amend the lese-majeste law, which punishes royal insults with up to 15 years in prison. The court deemed this campaign as undermining Thailand’s constitutional monarchy, leading to the dissolution of the Move Forward Party.
As Limjaroenrat prepares to return to Harvard University as a democracy fellow, he leaves behind a political landscape in flux. The Move Forward Party has quickly regrouped under the banner of the People’s Party, while the Pheu Thai Party-led coalition has rallied behind Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of the controversial political figure Thaksin Shinawatra.
Looking to the future, Limjaroenrat plans to pen a memoir of his political journey and engage in speaking engagements on Southeast Asian affairs. “I’ll be waiting for my time,” he stated, emphasising his unwavering commitment to bringing about change in Thailand.
