Pita Limjaroenrat, whose reformist party won the most seats in Thailand’s national election in May, stepped down as leader on Friday (15/9).
The young figure led his Moving Forward Party (MFP) to the top spot in the election by riding on a groundswell of voters disillusioned with the junta-backed government for nearly a decade, before he was confronted by conservative groups and suspended from his post as a lawmaker.
The MFP abandoned its partnership with rival Pheu Thai, which later formed a coalition government with pro-military parties, and said it would become the opposition.
“I resigned as chairman of the MFP party to pave the way for a member of parliament who is capable of speaking in parliament, to become leader of the opposition,” Pita wrote on his official Facebook page.
Moving Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat attended the ceremony in Bangkok. (Photo: Nyo Nyo Lwin, VOA)
Under current rules, the opposition leader must be a member of parliament.
“Due to my suspension as a member of parliament, I will not be able to obtain the position of member of parliament and become leader of the opposition in the near future,” Pita wrote.
Pita was suspended in July pending a decision by the Constitutional Court regarding his shareholding in a now-defunct media company.
Lawmakers are prohibited from owning media shares, under Thailand’s constitution.
Pita stressed the importance of the role, writing that it was like “the prow (of the ship) that determines the course of the opposition.”
“It is necessary to hold a general party meeting to elect a new leader,” MFP lawmaker Rangsiman Rome told AFP, but did not specify when.
The 43-year-old has had a series of challenges, both political and legal, thrown his way since the MFP’s shock victory in last May’s election.
He dropped out of the running for prime minister after his first bid failed at the hands of the junta-appointed Senate, and his second chance was rejected by parliament.
Conservative lawmakers were frightened by the success of Pita and the MFP and their determination to reform the kingdom’s strict defamation laws.
Supporters of the Moving Forward Party hold a portrait of Pita Limjaroenrat, the party chairman, during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, July 29, 2023. (Photo: AP)
Outside parliament, the Constitutional Court is also considering a second case arguing that the MFP’s campaign promise to change Thailand’s royal defamation law amounts to a plan to “overthrow” the monarchy.
It is unclear when the court will rule on both cases, but Pita faces disqualification from parliament and even a possible prison sentence if he faces a criminal investigation.
Pita said in his Facebook post that he would remain closely involved, regardless of his role. (ab/lt)