Pita resigns as Move Forward Party leader

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Despite Pita's overwhelming victory in the May general election, it has come to this. But Pita has no intention of fading away. Read on.
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Pita Resigns as MFP Leader

September 15, 2023

Pita Limjaroenrat has announced his resignation as the leader of the Move Forward Party, paving the way for the party’s member of parliament to replace him and to fulfill the role of the opposition leader in the Parliament.

The Constitutional Court has suspended Pita as an MP since July 19 pending a ruling on media share holding case.

In his statement, Pita said the constitution stipulates that the opposition leader must be an MP who is leader of the opposition party, holding the highest number of seats.

Currently, he has been suspended from performing his duties as an MP, so he is unable to carry out the role of the opposition leader in the near future.

He had discussions with the party’s executive committee and MPs, recognizing the significance of the opposition leader role within the parliamentary system. This role should be responsibly held by the main opposition party’s leader in Parliament, which is currently the Move Forward Party.

The opposition leader is expected to act as the captain steering the direction of the opposition in Parliament, overseeing the balance of power within the government and effectively pushing for implementation of policies that deviate from the government’s agenda.

Therefore, he has decided to step down from his position as the MFP leader at this time, allowing the party to choose an MP who can fulfill the role of the opposition leader in Parliament in his place.

Pita affirms to everyone that regardless of his status, he has not disappeared and will continue to work alongside the MFP and the people with the utmost dedication and ability to drive the collaborative efforts for the changes they aspire to achieve together

https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1238614
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Pita Has Quit as Move Forward Party Leader

by THE NATION

September 15, 2023

Pita Limjaroenrat resigned as Move Forward Party leader on Friday, relinquishing his chance of becoming opposition leader.

Pita explained in a Facebook post that he was forced to quit after being suspended as an MP pending the Constitutional Court ruling in his media shareholding case.

He also pointed out that Move Forward was forced into opposition despite gaining the most votes in the May 14 election.

Pita said he decided to quit as party chief after talks with his party's executive committee and MPs.

He added that Move Forward must lead the opposition in Parliament to promote change in Thailand, which is not part of government policies.

"Hence, I have decided to resign as Move Forward leader to allow the party to choose an MP who is able to become opposition leader in Parliament and party leader in my stead," he said.

He also vowed to contine to do his best for Move Forward and the people in order to drive forward reform in Thailand.

Move Forward insists it has the right to take the role of opposition leader.

Party secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon is expected to succeed Pita as Move Forward leader.

Meanwhile, Pita invited Move Forward members to participate in the event "Move Forward continues" at the Thai-Japanese Stadium in Bangkok's Din Daeng district.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... s/40031059
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MFP to elect new leader, executives Sept 23

Formal confirmation of opposition status means Padipat will have to step down as deputy speaker

September 15, 2023

Move Forward acting secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon, shown above holding a briefing at party headquarters in July, is considered one of the main contenders to succeed Pita Limjaroenrat as leader. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)

The Move Forward Party will hold a general assembly on Sept 23 to elect a new executive committee following the resignation of Pita Limjaroenrat as the party leader.

Mr Pita’s resignation on Friday has left all executive committee members, including the party leader, in caretaking positions.

Mr Pita, after consulting with the executive committee, decided to resign to make way for the party to elect a new leader, who could then take up the post of opposition leader, said Chaithawat Tulathon, the caretaker party secretary-general.

The general assembly on Sept 23 will be held at the Thai Summit building, the party headquarters, in Huai Khwang district of Bangkok. About 500 representatives of party branches from across the country are expected to attend the meeting to elect the new leader and new executive committee.

Once Move Forward is formally confirmed as the lead opposition party in the House of Representatives, parliamentary rules would prohibit Padipat Suntiphada, a party MP from Phitsanulok, from continuing as a deputy speaker. The speaker and deputies must all come from the government side of the House.

Asked about the status of Mr Padipat, Mr Chaithawat said the new executive committee would talk to the MP before deciding on the matter.

Mr Padipat had said earlier that he was willing to resign as deputy speaker if his party chooses to lead the opposition.

Mr Chaithawat said Move Forward is now of the opinion that, in order to effectively perform parliamentary work, it should fully assume the role of the opposition and its leader should be the opposition leader.

Mr Pita expressed the same view in announcing his resignation, saying the uncertainty about his status as an MP should not prevent the party from stepping forward and doing its job on behalf of the public.

Mr Pita was suspended as an MP on July 19 pending a ruling by the Constitutional Court on whether he applied to run for office while knowing he might be ineligible because he led shares in a media company, specifically the defunct broadcaster iTV.

Asked whether Mr Pita could return as party leader if the court ruled in his favour and he could resume his duties as an MP, Mr Chaithawat said that would be for the new executive committee to decide.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... es-sept-23