Thai prime minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat made a passionate plea to lawmakers, urging them to support his bid for the country's top job. Addressing a crowd of supporters in central Bangkok on Sunday, the 42-year-old politician called for a "return to normalcy" by allowing him to take power and end nearly a decade of military-backed rule in Thailand. The appeal comes just days before a crucial parliamentary vote that will determine the next leader of the country.
Pita's eight-party coalition, which claims the right to form the next government following the May 14 election, currently holds a clear majority in the 500-member House of Representatives. However, in order to secure the premiership, Pita needs the support of more than a quarter of the 250-member Senate, which comprises unelected military-appointed senators. These senators were chosen following a 2014 coup and their votes will be crucial in deciding the country's next leader.
Speaking passionately to his supporters, Pita emphasized the importance of the popular mandate and the need to bring an end to abnormality. He urged the Senate to align with the will of the people and not deny them this golden opportunity for change. With his eye on victory, Pita proclaimed, "We've come too far to lose. We'll reach the finish line together."
The stakes are high as the parliamentary vote approaches. A failure by Pita to gather enough support from the Senate could result in the unraveling of his coalition or even the formation of a minority-led government. Moreover, a prolonged process of government formation could further unsettle investors, negatively impacting the country's stock index and currency.
A significant obstacle for Pita lies in the opposition he faces from many senators who disagree with his progressive stance on amending the lese majeste law, which penalizes criticism of the king and other royals. As Pita has ruled out forming alliances with conservative parties, he must focus on winning as many Senate votes as possible in order to secure the premiership. However, with just days remaining, Pita still finds himself approximately 65 Senate votes short of the required number.
Sunday's rally in Bangkok was seen as an effort to maintain the momentum generated by the electoral results, which dealt a blow to the royalist establishment. Since the May 14 election, Pita has tirelessly traveled across the country, energizing his supporters and seeking to apply pressure on the Senate to back his bid for prime minister.
Pita's message to his supporters was one of hope and determination. He emphasized that it is time for the country to be driven by hope rather than fear. Without a set deadline for electing the next leader, there is a possibility that the parliament may reconvene on July 19 for a second round of voting if no clear winner emerges on Thursday. It remains to be seen if any other parties will nominate a candidate to challenge Pita's bid for the premiership.