Market Research Record – In a significant blow to Thailand’s progressive opposition party, the Move Forward Party, the constitutional court has suspended Pita Limjaroenrat, the party’s leader and winner of the recent nationwide elections, from his position as a lawmaker. This development comes after nearly a decade of military-backed rule in the country.
The temporary suspension comes in response to a complaint filed by the Election Commission, accusing Pita of violating election laws by allegedly holding shares in a media company. Pita vehemently denies breaking any election rules and has previously criticized the Election Commission for expediting the case.
The Move Forward Party campaigned on a platform of extensive structural reforms for Thailand, encompassing changes to the military, the economy, power decentralization, and even reforms related to the traditionally untouchable monarchy. The party’s popularity soared, with the May elections witnessing a record turnout and serving as a strong rebuke to the long-standing military-backed establishment that has governed Thailand since 2014’s coup led by then-army chief Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The court’s decision is likely to ignite the already fervent support base of the Move Forward Party, potentially leading to mass street protests. The party’s vision for change resonated strongly with the electorate, resulting in them securing the largest share of seats in the election.
Following the election, a coalition of opposition parties formed with the aim of establishing a majority government and nominated Pita as their prime ministerial candidate. The 42-year-old Harvard alumnus referred to the coalition as “the voice of hope and the voice of change” and expressed confidence in receiving support from all participating parties to become Thailand’s next prime minister.
However, last week, Pita fell short of garnering enough parliamentary votes to assume the role of prime minister. The political system, designed by the previous junta, heavily favors the conservative royalist establishment that has wielded power in Thailand for a considerable time. To elect a prime minister and form a government, a party or coalition must secure a majority of 375 seats in both the lower and upper houses of parliament, which currently amount to 749 seats.
The conservative establishment enjoys a head start, as the unelected 250-member Senate was appointed by the military under a post-coup constitution and has previously supported pro-military candidates. Pita obtained only 324 votes out of the required 376 for a majority, leaving Thailand without a prime minister as political maneuvering persists.
The recent court ruling further jeopardizes Pita’s status as a lawmaker. Thailand’s powerful conservative establishment, comprising the military, monarchy, and influential elites, has consistently obstructed fundamental changes to the existing order. Over the past two decades, the Constitutional Court has frequently ruled in favor of the establishment, dissolving several parties that challenged the political elite. Moreover, the military has a history of toppling democratically elected governments and seizing power during periods of instability. Thailand has experienced a dozen successful coups since 1932, including two in the past 17 years.
