Thailand’s new prime minister and his Cabinet have officially begun work after delivering their policy statement in Parliament. However, the country will be deprived of an opposition leader for the foreseeable future, as potential candidates remain tied up in legal issues.

 

The post of opposition leader was first enshrined in Thailand half a century ago via the constitution of 1974. It stated that the post would go by royal command to the House of Representatives’ largest political party with no Cabinet seats but at least one-fifth of all MP seats.

 

Various changes were made to that clause in the constitutions of 1978, 1991, 1997, 2007, and 2017.

 

The current charter (2017) states that the House opposition leader shall be an MP who leads the political party with the largest number of opposition MPs, none of whom hold the post of government minister, House speaker, or deputy speaker.

 

Legal experts say the clause prevents the largest opposition party, Move Forward, from taking the opposition leader’s post as its MP Padipat Suntiphada is a deputy House speaker. Furthermore, Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat has been suspended as an MP pending a Constitutional Court case regarding his qualifications.

 

Meanwhile, the Democrats, the second largest opposition party, remain leaderless after Jurin Laksanawisit stepped down following a poor performance in the May 14 election.

 

By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk

 

Full story: Thai PBS 2023-09-15

 

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The cog of Thai democracy that has shuddered to a halt

 

 

Yeah that happens when you negate 14 million voters.

 

49 minutes ago, webfact said:

However, the country will be deprived of an opposition leader for the foreseeable future

I can recommend 14 million people for the post. 

 

The cog of democracy stopped turning a decade ago... or more.

Thai democracy - a cog with no teeth. 

Here they're just pullies for leveraging power.

 

There is no "democracy" in Thailand. It's real simple.

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

The cog of democracy stopped turning a decade ago... or more.

More accurately went into reverse!

Situation normal then.

Carry on Thailand.