Politics

Thailand: National Assembly Fails to Elect New Prime Minister

JUL 14 2023·Updated FEB 3 2024

Story

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Facts

On Thursday, Thailand's National Assembly was unable to elect a new Prime Minister for the country, as Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat — whose party won the most seats in May's general election — failed to secure the support of a majority of lawmakers.
CNN
Pita, who stood for Prime Minister unopposed, was 51 votes short of a majority. In Thailand, the prime minister is selected by the 749 members of the bicameral legislature.
Al Jazeera
While the Move Forward party commands a majority in the lower house, the 249 members of the unelected upper house were all appointed by a previous military government, and broadly oppose Move Forward's progressive agenda.
BBC News
In statements after the vote, Pita thanked the 13 senators who voted for him while telling voters he's "not giving up." Two days have been set aside next week for a new vote, where Pita can once again run for office.
guardian
Move Forward's reform agenda, which includes possible reforms to Thailand's royal defamation laws, has galvanized conservative opposition to Pita. Criticism of Thailand's monarchy can lead to up to 15 years in prison, with Pita insisting that he supports the Thai royal family.
guardian
A candidate from Move Forward's coalition partner, the Pheu Thai party, could emerge to end the stalemate and end Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's reign, who took power in the 2014 military coup. Pita faces two legal cases in front of the Constitutional Court over a campaign law dispute and an allegation that Move Forward's policies amount to an "overthrow" of the monarchy.
France 24

Sources Split

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CENTER

RIGHT

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PRO
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The Spin

Left narrative

The will of the Thai people must be respected, and unelected regime bureaucrats have no right to interfere in the democratic process. The people of Thailand have overwhelmingly rejected military rule and gave a ringing endorsement to Move Forward's progressive agenda. This undue meddling is paternalistic and treats Thais as if they can't govern themselves. Pro-Junta politicians must stop obstructing the will of the people.

wapo

Right narrative

The pro-democracy coalition must be pragmatic if they wish to have the reins of power passed over, and it would be utter folly for Pita to run once again. The coalition must coalesce around a more moderate leader for the next prime minister vote — one without pending legal cases or who excites such stark opinions from the public. The monarchy is a third rail in Thai politics, and perhaps the pro-democracy parties should compromise on that point if they wish to form a government.