After two significant rulings that disbanded his party and fired a prime minister, political leaders in Thailand are now required to reform the court to stop interventions that cause the country to “go about in circles.”
A 10-year social restrictions, according to Pita Limjaroenrat, whose then former Move Forward Party was barred from forming a government last year, did not diminish his resolve to direct Thailand and initiate significant reforms, including preventing independent institutions from being politicised.
As a result of a power battle between popularly elected parties and an important establishment with strong connections in the defense and important institutions, Thailand has been ensnared in a turbulent two-decade pattern of coups and court rulings that have overthrown many governments.
In response to the trauma that resulted in the dissolution of Move Forward and the dismissal of Srettha Thavisin as prime minister in a year, both by the same jury, Pita told Reuters,” Nothing has been achieved for the people” and Pita said,” There is nothing to be achieved for the people”.
” We confuse activity with development”, he said. ” It’s almost like we’re going around in circles and we’re thinking we’re going anywhere but truly we’re going nothing”.
In a speech, 134 Thai researchers and legal professionals criticized the court, saying it overstepped its purview and damaged the public’s faith in constitutional and political systems.
Following his ban over his party’s strategy to amend a law that punishes royal taunts with up to 15 years in prison, a plan the court claimed undermined Thailand’s constitutional monarchy, Pita may now return to Harvard University as a republic brother.
His predicament provides a snapshot of Thailand’s cutthroat politics, with Pita hugely popular yet forced onto the sidelines, despite leading Move Forward to a surprise election victory that gave a ringing public endorsement of its progressive, anti-establishment platform.
Pita, 43, has polled consistently as the most preferred prime minister choice in Thailand, long after army-appointed senators thwarted his bid to become premier.
” Waiting for my time”
He and 43 of his coworkers face lifetime political bans from the anti-corruption commission, which has a scope that goes beyond graft cases, and they could face another pending case related to the campaign against the lese-majeste law.
He claimed that the situation demonstrates how necessary it is for elected politicians to reform institutions like the commission and courts to ensure their independence and accountability for the public.
” Penalise someone because of different ethical standards or morality standards- that’s a little too much for our democracy,” he said.
The status quo is still in place despite the two verdicts ‘ shaking up Thai politics and raising questions about the future of the country’s stagnant economy. However, both cases ‘ victims quickly regrouped after the verdicts were rendered within two days.
Move Forward formed a new vehicle, the People’s Party, while the Pheu Thai Party-led coalition rallied behind Srettha’s replacement, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who won the overwhelming backing of parliament on Friday and was endorsed by the king on Sunday.
Paetongtarn is the daughter of billionaire and divisive political tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, whose populist parties have suffered the most damage from Thailand’s upheaval. Although his attorney said witness testimony wo n’t begin until July 2025, he is facing a charge of allegedly insulting someone in the royal palace.
In order to return to politics stronger, Pita is planning a memoir of his roller-coaster ride as well as to deliver speeches and seminars on Southeast Asian affairs.
” I’ll be waiting for my time, you know I still very much want to bring about change in Thailand”, he said.
” I’ll be accumulating knowledge and experience so that when I return to lead the nation, I’ll be a better person then.”
