Thailand's Forward Party leader announces resignation

Riding on a wave of support from young people and urban voters, the MFP was a major surprise in Thailand’s May election, defeating parties backed by the military and powerful royalists, according to Reuters. However, after the election victory, the party was blocked by conservative lawmakers from forming 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 holding power over key urban centres and several conservative strongholds.

But 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 reason the party has faced fierce opposition is because of controversial plans to amend a law that would shield the monarchy from criticism.

On Facebook, Mr. Pita wrote: “I want to create conditions for other lawmakers 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 ahead of the election, was widely expected to be the top choice for 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 electoral law. For his part, Mr. Pita has denied wrongdoing. “I will continue to work with the En Marche Party and the citizens with all my strength to promote the change we expect,” he said.