Outgoing Thai Prime Minister Prayut Announces Retirement From Politics
TimeJul 04, 2023
Thailand: National Assembly Fails to Elect New Prime Minister
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Image copyright: Wikimedia Commons
The Facts
On Thursday, Thailand's National Assembly was unable to elect a new Prime Minister for the country, as Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat — whose party won the most seats in May's general election — failed to secure the support of a majority of lawmakers.
Pita, who stood for Prime Minister unopposed, was 51 votes short of a majority. In Thailand, the prime minister is selected by the 749 members of the bicameral legislature.
The Spin
Left narrative
The will of the Thai people must be respected, and unelected regime bureaucrats have no right to interfere in the democratic process. The people of Thailand have overwhelmingly rejected military rule and gave a ringing endorsement to Move Forward's progressive agenda. This undue meddling is paternalistic and treats Thais as if they can't govern themselves. Pro-Junta politicians must stop obstructing the will of the people.
Right narrative
The pro-democracy coalition must be pragmatic if they wish to have the reins of power passed over, and it would be utter folly for Pita to run once again. The coalition must coalesce around a more moderate leader for the next prime minister vote — one without pending legal cases or who excites such stark opinions from the public. The monarchy is a third rail in Thai politics, and perhaps the pro-democracy parties should compromise on that point if they wish to form a government.
