The Move Forward Party has been on the defensive ever since its shock election victory in May.
The party has taken what many observers describe as “political missteps” that may have cost it the prime minister’s seat and a chance to lead the new coalition government. Instead, it now sits on the other side of the House as the largest opposition party.
Pita Limjaroenrat, who led Move Forward to electoral victory as its only PM candidate, failed to secure majority support in Parliament for the top job. The PM’s seat fell instead to Move Forward’s former ally, Pheu Thai, which displayed ruthless efficiency in the political games that followed the election.
Meanwhile, Move Forward faced strong opposition from Thailand’s elitist establishment, illustrated when senators blocked Pita from becoming prime minister before waving through Pheu Thai’s candidate, Srettha Thavisin….
