Title: Thailand’s Move Forward Party Challenges Military-Controlled Senate for Power
Date: July 14, 2023
BANGKOK – Thailand’s Move Forward party has filed a motion in parliament seeking to reduce the power of the military-appointed Senate, a move that comes a day after the party’s leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, was denied the position of prime minister.
The Senate, designed by the military after a coup in 2014, plays a crucial role alongside the elected lower house in deciding the prime minister. Its purpose has been seen as a constitutional safeguard to protect the interests of the military and conservative establishment.
Despite winning the most seats in the May election and having the support of an eight-party alliance, Move Forward’s Pita Limjaroenrat lost the premiership vote on Thursday. The Senate and outgoing, army-backed government parties closed ranks to deny him the position.
In the vote, only 13 senators backed Pita, while the rest voted against him or abstained. Move Forward party claimed that some senators were acting under duress.
Party secretary general Chaithawat Tulathon submitted a motion on Friday to amend part of the constitution, stating that it would be a solution that all sides can agree on.
“There are forces from the old power to pressure the Senate – from the old power to some capitalists who do not want to see a Move Forward government,” Chaithawat said in an earlier television interview. The process of passing the motion could take approximately one month.
Pita Limjaroenrat, a liberal from the private sector, has gained substantial support from the youth for his intention to bring reforms to sectors and institutions that have long been considered untouchable.
However, one of Move Forward’s most contentious policies, which involves amending the law that prohibits insulting the monarchy, has been a major obstacle in persuading legislators to back Pita.
Despite the setback, Pita vowed on Thursday not to abandon his policies or give up his fight for the premiership. He has the opportunity to run again if nominated in the next vote, scheduled to take place on July 19, as confirmed by the House speaker.
The political tension in Thailand has been widely expected, as the country has been locked in a power struggle between reform-minded parties and a nexus of old money and the military establishment for the past two decades.
Pro-democracy groups have called for protests and criticized the senators and those who abstained in the vote, calling them “toxic to the will of the people.”
Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political science professor at Chulalongkorn University, highlighted that the constitution acts as a straitjacket on democracy and warned that attempts to block Move Forward would result in a public backlash.
“These old guard institutions need to maintain power because they have a lot to lose,” Pongsudhirak said. He added that Move Forward’s demands for change could unlock institutional reforms and unleash Thailand’s potential.
The situation remains uncertain, with the outcome of the next vote for the premiership set to determine the country’s political landscape.
Additional reporting by Napat Wesshasarter and Juarawee Kittisilpa. Writing by Martin Petty. Editing by Frances Kerry.
[Reporting by Martin Petty. Editing by Frances Kerry]