Move Forward to name Pita as PM candidate if “political accident” occurs

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

He also dismissed any possibility of Move Forward joining forces with the Pheu Thai party in a coalition, saying that they are political rivals.

Chaithawat admitted that the Constitutional Court’s review of the prime minister’s conduct, relating to his recent appointment of once convicted and imprisoned Phichit Chuenban as PM Office minister, is shaking the government’s stability, confidence in the Thai economy as well as in the 2025 fiscal budget.

Regarding the 40 senators’ attempt to remove Srettha as prime minister through the Constitutional Court, the opposition leader said he disagrees with the use of the court to judge a minister’s integrity, because of legal ambiguity and interpretation.

He said that the prime minister’s controversial appointment of Phichit, if it was inappropriate, should be a political responsibility and subject to criticism which may affect public trust and his political future.

He also said that the Move Forward party does not agree with political ethical standards which are based on the judgement and social values of the people making the judgement.