Thailand’s reformist leader faces uncertain PM vote

Thailand’s reformist leader faces uncertain PM vote

Reformist leader Pita Limjaroenrat has been nominated for prime minister at the opening of parliament. 

The leader of the progressive Move Forward party won in May as voters rejected the conservative military rule that had been in place in Thailand since a coup in 2014. 

But he needs the support of lawmakers appointed by the same military leaders to secure a majority. 

He also faces last-minute legal challenges which could see him disqualified.

His alliance has 312 votes, which is 64 short of the 376 votes required to be elected prime minister. But Pita Limjaroenrat says he is confident in himself ahead of the parliamentary vote. 

“I will try my best in showing my vision and explaining all senator’s doubts,” he said.

Mr Pita also said there were attempts to “block the majority government of the people from getting to run the country in various ways”.

“This is quite normal for the path to power in our country… I am encouraged and hopeful to fix things as they come until the dream of mine and the people can be reached,” he told the Thai Rath TV channel.