Thailand’s politicians must reform the judiciary to prevent interference that has left the country “going in circles,” a recently banned opposition leader said after two key rulings dissolved his party and sacked a prime minister.
Pita Limjaroenrat, whose now-defunct Move Forward Party was blocked from forming a government last year, said a 10-year political ban would not weaken his determination to lead Thailand and initiate major reforms, including preventing the politicisation of independent institutions.
For two decades, Thailand has been caught in a turbulent cycle of coup attempts and court rulings that have led to the toppling of several governments. The cycle is part of a power struggle between popularly elected parties and an influential establishment with close ties to the military and key institutions.
“We are back to square one and nothing has been achieved for the people,” Pita told Reuters, recalling the unrest that led within a week to the dissolution of Move Forward and the sacking of Srettha Thavisin as prime minister – both by the same court.
“We confuse movement with progress,” he said. “It’s almost like we’re running around in circles and thinking we’re getting somewhere, but in reality we’re getting nowhere.”
His remarks came as 134 Thai academics and legal experts issued a statement criticising the court, which they said had exceeded its jurisdiction and damaged public confidence in the legal and democratic system.
Pita will return to Harvard University as a fellow for democracy after being expelled from the university over his party’s plans to change a law that punishes insults to the king with up to 15 years in prison. The court said the campaign undermined Thailand’s constitutional monarchy.
His predicament offers a glimpse into the ruthless nature of Thai politics: Pita is hugely popular but marginalized despite leading the Move Forward party to a surprise electoral victory, winning clear public support for its progressive, anti-establishment platform.
Pita, 43, was always considered the most popular candidate for the post of Thai prime minister in the polls, even though army-appointed senators had long since thwarted his attempt to become prime minister.
He and 43 colleagues may face further proceedings in connection with the lese majeste law campaign and face lifetime political bans from the Anti-Corruption Commission, whose jurisdiction extends beyond corruption cases.
He said the problem showed that elected politicians needed to reform institutions such as the Commission and the courts to ensure their independence and accountability to the public.
“Punishing someone for displaying different ethical or moral standards goes too far for our democracy,” he said.
Although the two verdicts rocked Thai politics and sparked concerns about the outlook for the country’s stagnating economy, the status quo remains in place after victims in both cases quickly reunited within two days of the decisions.
Move Forward formed a new body, the People’s Party, while the Pheu Thai-led coalition rallied behind Srettha’s successor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who received overwhelming approval from parliament on Friday and was confirmed by the king on Sunday.
Paetongtarn is the daughter of controversial political heavyweight and billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, whose populist parties have been worst hit by Thailand’s unrest. He is facing charges of allegedly insulting the king, although his lawyer said on Monday that testimony would not begin until July 2025.
Pita plans to write a memoir about his rollercoaster ride and give speeches and seminars on Southeast Asian affairs in the hope of returning to politics stronger.
“I will wait for my chance. You know I am still very interested in bringing about change in Thailand,” he said.
“I will gain knowledge and experience so that I will be a better person when I return as the leader of the country.”
