Thai progressive leader loses prime ministerial vote | News

Nathan Rivera

13/07/2023

Share on LinkedInShare on RedditShare on PocketShare on TelegramShare on Hatena
Rate this post

Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the progressive party that won the most support in Thailand's general election, fell short of the required number of votes from lawmakers on Thursday to become the country's next prime minister.

READ ALSO:

Thailand election winner announces broad coalition

Although he was the only candidate nominated, Limjaroenrat received only 324 votes, short of the simple majority of 376 required to hold the position, taking into account the lower house of 500 members and the upper house of 250 senators.

Considered of a conservative tendency, the latter was appointed after the coup in 2014 by the former military junta, which is in favor of the current Executive at the helm of the country.

The 42-year-old leader, in alliance with eight parties, concluded the vote with 323 votes, including 13 from senators. A total of 182 legislators voted against him, while 198 abstained.

The Conservatives oppose the anti-establishment agenda of his party, Move Forward, which includes a controversial plan to amend a law that prohibits insulting royals.

On Wednesday, the Electoral Commission recommended his suspension as a parliamentarian for alleged irregularities and the Constitutional Court accepted a case against him and his party for allegedly wanting to "overthrow" the monarchy.

The recommendation followed an investigation into Limjaroenrat's ownership of shares in a media company, as politicians in that nation are prohibited from owning them. However, the candidate declared that the station has not broadcast since 2007 and that the shares were inherited from his father.

Given these results, the speaker of the House must submit a new vote scheduled for July 19 until a prime minister emerges, raising the specter of weeks of stagnation and economic uncertainty in Thailand.

Author Profile

Nathan Rivera
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.

My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.

I am also a staunch advocate for press freedom. I have tirelessly fought to protect the rights of journalists and have faced significant challenges in my quest to inform the public truthfully and without constraints. My courage in defending these principles serves as an example to all who believe in the power of journalism to change the world.

Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.

At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.

Share on LinkedInShare on RedditShare on PocketShare on TelegramShare on Hatena