The dramatic fall of Pita Limjaroenrat – and what it means for Move Forward Party

Photo : former Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat//Cr : Move Forward party

Pita Limjaroenrat, the initial frontrunner to become Thailand’s 30th prime minister, has made a huge sacrifice in a bid to secure the post of opposition leader for his Move Forward Party (MFP) while also helping MFP’s Padipat Suntiphada keep his seat as deputy House speaker.

Pita stepped down as leader of the opposition’s largest party last Friday (Sept 15), paving the way for one of his colleagues to succeed him at the helm of Move Forward. Two candidates have emerged – Chaithawat Tulathon, who is the party’s secretary-general, and deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun.

In July, Pita failed to secure the votes required in Parliament to become the next prime minister, despite his party’s victory in the May 14 general election. Now, he has quit as the top candidate for next opposition…