21-8-2023 (BANGKOK) When Thailand’s parliament selects the next prime minister this coming Tuesday, Pita Limjaroenrat will be watching from the headquarters of his Move Forward party. Despite his party winning the most recent general election, Mr Limjaroenrat was blocked from becoming prime minister due to interference from the military in Thai politics. However, the 42-year-old Harvard graduate has no regrets, and his eyes remain set on achieving democratic reforms through peaceful and lawful means.
Inspired by Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew, Mr Limjaroenrat has a vision of a Thailand where every citizen feels their voice is respected and they can participate actively in the political process. However, he acknowledges change will not happen overnight and obstacles remain. In his view, Thai democracy currently only exists on election days; as soon as voting is over politicians focus more on political games than governing for the people. Citing Lee Kuan Yew’s words that governance “is not a game of cards” but concerns “your life and mine”, Mr Limjaroenrat believes politicians must carefully manage the trust placed in them by citizens. Despite setbacks, he remains determined to continue the struggle to bring positive change through his leadership of Move Forward.
After the May election saw Move Forward win the most seats, they formed a coalition with the second place Pheu Thai party and others from the pro-democracy camp. Together they commanded over 300 seats, however efforts to have Mr Limjaroenrat selected as prime minister were blocked by the military-controlled senate and ruling factions. Pheu Thai subsequently broke with Move Forward and allied with pro-military groups, naming property tycoon Srettha Thavisin as their candidate for prime minister instead. For Mr Limjaroenrat this outcome does not define him, insisting he has “zero regrets” and that by standing up for democratic values he has still “won”, despite being prevented from the top job. He views politics as a marathon, not a sprint, and remains committed to democratic reform in Thailand for the long term.
As parliament prepares to select the 30th prime minister of Thailand, speculation is rife that the return from exile of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra could also occur on Tuesday. Thaksin’s close ties to Pheu Thai have led some to suggest the new government may prioritise one man’s political ambitions over the needs of the Thai people. Mr Limjaroenrat hopes this will not be the case, stressing any administration should have the people’s interests at heart above individual preferences. Pheu Thai now faces an uphill challenge to get their candidate Srettha approved as PM, requiring over half of MPs under the current constitution imposed after the 2014 coup. According to political analyst Dr Titipol Phakdeewanich of Ubon Ratchathani University, this shows the military maintains strong influence and Pheu Thai have succumbed to establishment forces looking to reject democracy.
During a recent campaign visit to Rayong for an upcoming by-election, Mr Limjaroenrat received an enthusiastic welcome from supporters still aggrieved he could not become prime minister. One elderly resident, broom seller Thong-in Khampumi, vowed to keep voting Move Forward as he believes they can improve Thailand. “If Move Forward isn’t dissolved before the next election, they’ll win in a landslide,” he confidently stated. Wherever Mr Limjaroenrat went in Rayong, large crowds surrounded him with flowers, gifts and messages of support. “One day, democracy and the people’s voice will prevail” insisted 29-year-old Pornpicha Taweetham.
Despite facing legal hurdles such as a suspension from parliament and the threat of his party being dissolved for proposed amendments to lese majeste laws, Mr Limjaroenrat remains unwavering. His vision is for Move Forward to solidify its position as the undisputed leader of democratic politics in Thailand. He believes they must continue expanding grassroots support and developing new leaders committed to the democratic awakening seen by over 25 million votes for reformist parties in May’s election. Now in opposition, Mr Limjaroenrat is strongly committed to holding the new government accountable, promoting progressive laws, and ensuring the policy agenda serves all Thai citizens rather than narrow interests. His goal has never simply been to become prime minister, but to bring democratic change that will benefit Thailand for generations to come.
