The fate of Thailand's democratic efforts to form a civilian government is hanging by a thread after Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat was denied the chance to lead the country as prime minister.
After hours of deliberation, the US-educated liberal's bid to prime ministership was blocked due to at least two legal challenges filed by the Election Commission to the country's Constitutional Court. He was also temporarily suspended as an MP as a result of the court cases.
In his speech after the vote, Pita urged colleagues to "continue using the parliamentary system" to attend to the people's needs as he reckoned his party's landslide victory during the country's May 14 general elections was a point of no return. "Due to the Constitutional Court [ordering] me to temporarily suspend my duty, I would like to use this opportunity to bid my farewell to Mr. Speaker, until we meet again," he said in parliament.
The first involved breaking election rules due to his holding shares in a broadcast media firm, which ceased its operations in 2007. The second was his party's move to repeal the country's lese majeste laws, which criminalize any criticism against the Thai royal family.
Tense Night in Bangkok
Tensions were visible as protesters made plans to hold a rally Wednesday night near the Democracy Monument in Downtown Bangkok. There was also tension inside the Thai parliament chamber for several hours after the court order was issued and was not directed to leave.
Move Forward has won the most seats in the Thai parliament after May's general elections, but he admitted that while the popular vote was beneficial for the Thai people, the votes in the whole Parliament, including the military junta-appointed Senate.
"It has become obvious that the people's vote is not enough to rule the country," Pita said in a statement on his official Instagram account.
While Pita is likely to be disqualified as an MP, he could still technically become prime minister, according to Thai law.
Nevertheless, both Move Forward and coalition partner Pheu Thai Party are discussing their next move given the situation. It is expected Pheu Thai would field property tycoon Srettha Thavisin as its candidate in a third round of votes as Pita earlier stated he would step aside should he fail his candidacy.
