Move Forward: Nominate Pita as Prime Ministerial Candidate in Case of ‘Political Accident’

The opposition Move Forward party will nominate former party leader Pita Limjaroenrat as its candidate for prime minister if there is a “political accident” that leads to the ouster or resignation of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, party leader Chaithawat Tulathon said on Monday.

He also ruled out the possibility of Move Forward forming a coalition with the Pheu Thai Party, as the two are political rivals.

Chaithawat acknowledged that the Constitutional Court’s review of the prime minister’s conduct in connection with his recent appointment of the once-convicted and imprisoned Phichit Chuenban as minister in the Prime Minister’s Office is undermining the stability of the government, confidence in the Thai economy as well as the 2025 budget.

Referring to the attempt by the 40 senators to remove Srettha as prime minister through the Constitutional Court, the opposition leader said he did not agree with the involvement of the court to assess the integrity of a minister based on legal ambiguities and interpretations.

He said the Prime Minister’s controversial appointment of Phichit, if inappropriate, should be a political responsibility and subject to criticism that could affect public confidence and his political future.

He also said that the Move Forward party does not agree with political-ethical standards based on the judgment and social values ​​of the judges.