Will the progressive Move Forward Party be disbanded?
That chance is high. The Constitutional Court recently ruled that the Move Forward Party's (MFP) push to reform Article 112 of the Criminal Code is an attempt to overthrow the constitutional monarchy. This could well lead to a ban on this party, which won a majority of 2023 seats in parliament in the 151 elections, but failed to form a government due to negative votes from the 150-member Senate appointed by the previous Prayut government. The Pheu Thai Party, with 141 seats in parliament, formed the government, previously an opponent but now part of the elite.
Following his recent acquittal by the Constitutional Court in the iTV stock case, Pita Limjaroenrat, the former leader of the Move Forward party, announces his plans for a political comeback. With determination to resume his role in Thai politics, Pita shares his vision for the future and considers his return to the political arena.
Thai opposition politician gets 6 years in prison for criticizing monarchy: Verdict contrary to freedom of expression
In a high-profile trial in Thailand, an opposition MP has been sentenced to six years in prison for violating laws against 'insulting the monarchy'. Rukchanok “Ice” Srinork, a 29-year-old politician from the Move Forward Party, was convicted on December 13, 2023. This ruling has caused an international outcry, with Human Rights Watch seeing the accusations as a direct attack on freedom of expression. This case not only highlights local political dynamics in Thailand, but also the broader discussion about human rights and freedom of expression in the country.
Move Forward party may want to join the opposition
Move Forward party general secretary Chaithawat Tulahon announced today (Wednesday) that his party is ready to join the opposition. During his announcement, he apologized to the party's followers for not being able to form a government.
Parliament in Thailand will try to elect a new prime minister on August 4 after two failed attempts
Thailand's parliament will try to elect a new prime minister next week after two previous failed attempts. This political deadlock, which has lasted for more than two months after the election, comes amid growing political unrest and possible lawsuits over the constitutionality of previous elections. All this is further complicated by the announced return of the controversial figure, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party, has indicated his determination to continue his candidacy for the position of prime minister despite losing in a parliamentary vote. Although Pita fell short of the necessary threshold by 51 votes, he said his party plans to gather the necessary support for the next vote, scheduled for next week.
In today's NRC there is an article by Saskia Konniger about the political situation in Thailand: Is the military regime in Thailand relinquishing power? Konniger describes the current situation based on 4 questions.
Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party and winner of Thailand's parliamentary elections, thinks an agreement on the Speaker of the House could help him become prime minister. At a meeting of Thailand's new parliament, the two major parties, Move Forward and Pheu Thai, found a way to kick off the election for Speaker of the House of Representatives. They chose Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the 79-year-old leader of the Prachachat party, to become the next Speaker of the House.
A group of sympathizers of the Pheu Thai party called on the party last Sunday to allow the Move Forward party to form a coalition government independently and to break with this party. This call arose out of frustration over the perceived “disrespect” towards Pheu Thai. Pheu Thai's leader has indicated that he will consider the group's position.
The prime ministerial candidacy of Pita Limjaroenrat of the Move Forward Party (MFP) is gaining support from senators. Among them is Senator Sathit Limpongpan, who has expressed his support for a coalition government that can secure more than 250 seats in the House, half of the total seats available. At least 14 other senators are reportedly inclined to support Pita's candidacy.
Move Forward's views
The progressive Move Forward Party (hereinafter: MFP), known in Thai as พรรคก้าวไกล(phák kâaw clay), emerged as the big winner. What are the positions of this new party? Rob V. read the party program and quoted a number of points that stood out to him.
On Tuesday, Pita Limjaroenrat, the courageous opposition leader of MFP, made an appeal to the other political parties. His message? Join the winning alliance. Stand with the newly elected leaders and help them avoid a minority government backed by defeated military factions.
“Political landslide” in Thailand: opposition wins big and Move Forward Party the biggest
On Sunday, Thailand's opposition parties won a convincing victory in the elections, with 99 percent of the votes counted. The progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) is said to have won 152 seats, while the reformist Pheu Thai won 141 seats. The 42-year-old charismatic entrepreneur Pita Limjaroenrat is the surprising winner of the Thai elections.
