Thailand’s parliament recently voted for a new prime minister, a critical moment for the future of democracy in the country following nearly a decade of turbulent military-backed rule. The vote was expected to reveal whether the ruling establishment would accept the choice of the people who overwhelmingly voted for progressive, opposition parties in a May election.
However, on 13 July 2023, he fell 51 votes short of becoming the next prime minister. Another vote for prime minister is scheduled to take place on 19 July 2023.
Thailand’s Voting System: Universal Suffrage with Restrictions
Elections in Thailand are held under universal suffrage in accordance with the 2007 Constitution; however, certain restrictions apply. The voter must be a national of Thailand; if not by birth, then by being a citizen for 5 years. They must be over 18 years old the year before the year the election is held. The voter must have also registered ninety days before the election at his constituency. Voting in elections in Thailand is compulsory and all elections are regulated by the Election Commission of Thailand.
Pita Limjaronenrat’s Background and Experience: A Rising Star in Thai Politics
Pita Limjaroenrat is a Thai politician and businessman who is currently serving as leader of the Move Forward Party, the de facto successor to the dissolved Future Forward Party. Pita led Move Forward to become the largest party in the 2023 general election, winning 151 seats. Following the formation of a coalition in the House, he announced plans to become the next prime minister of Thailand. However, on 13 July 2023, he fell 51 votes short of becoming the next prime minister. Pita started his political career when he was elected to parliament in 2019 as a member of the Future Forward Party. Founded by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, a billionaire and staunch critic of the army, the party performed well in the 2019 election, shaking up Thai politics with its demand for change.
Photo Credit: Rameshe999, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
