Thailand's Forward Party leader announces resignation

According to Reuters, relying on the wave of support from young people and voters in urban areas, the MFP became a big surprise in the May election in Thailand. Specifically, MFP defeated parties backed by the military and powerful royalists. However, after the election victory, the party was blocked by conservative lawmakers from trying to form a government.

The Forward Party currently makes up the majority of the opposition in Thailand's parliament, but will retain significant political influence having won a majority of seats in and around Bangkok, and is in control of key urban centres and some conservative strongholds.

But Mr. Pita, a 43-year-old Harvard graduate, has twice been rejected by Thailand’s parliament to become the country’s next prime minister, with military-appointed senators banding together to block the MFP. One of the reasons the party has faced fierce opposition is because of controversial plans to amend a law that protects the monarchy from criticism.

On Facebook, Mr. Pita wrote: “I want to create conditions for other legislators to take on the role of opposition leader. But no matter what position I am in, I will still cooperate with the Forward Party and the people to the best of my ability.”

The charismatic Pita, who had been leading opinion polls before the election, was widely expected to be the top choice for Thailand’s prime minister. However, Pita has faced numerous legal and legislative challenges, which he claims are designed to prevent him from taking power.

The politician is currently suspended from parliament due to a court case regarding his eligibility to run for office, stemming from information that he holds shares in a media company, which is against election law. For his part, Mr. Pita has denied wrongdoing. “I will continue to work with the Forward Party and citizens with all my strength to promote the change we expect,” he said.