Pita’s Move Forward Party won the highest number of primary votes at last year’s general election. Pita Limjaroenrat was unable to form a coalition majority government, he failed in his bid to become PM and, two weeks ago, was banned from politics for 10 years by the Constitutional Court.
So his path ahead, at least in politics in Thailand, is blocked by hostile and conservative forces beyond his control. And, realistically, the country’s conservative/royalist/army-backed elite aren’t going anywhere.
So what does a bright, well-educated 43 year old do? Pita announced today that he is heading back to the United States.
He is going to take up the position of Visiting Democracy Fellow at Harvard University.
Pita was originally educated in New Zealand, then studied finance in Thailand. He further studied politics and business in the US, having received various scholarships.
Since returning to Thailand he been involved with, and elected as an MP, as part of the Future Forward Party, then as leader of the Move Forward Party, who won 38% of Thailand’s primary vote in the May, 2024 general election.
Bon voyage Pita. We’re sure you will be back to Thailand… maybe in about 10 years time.
