After winning an election, Move Forward’s quest to lead Thailand’s government grinds to a halt

BANGKOK - Pumping his fist into the air, Mr Pita Limjaroenrat walked out of Parliament’s chambers on Wednesday in the midst of proceedings, while fellow party and coalition members stood in applause.

Now, his party is fighting for its place in the coalition it had assembled after winning the most seats in the May election. With the backing of main coalition partner Pheu Thai and six smaller parties, the MFP entered uncharted territory as it tried to lead the 312-member alliance in establishing what it termed the “People’s Government”.

The events exposed MFP’s political naivete in thinking it could push through a progressive platform that has been rebuffed by conservative factions, said political scientist Punchada Sirivunnabood. And it wasn’t just the electoral map that was flush with orange, as the MFP secured seats in both urban and rural provinces, some of which had been, for decades, the strongholds of entrenched political dynasties.

They finally reached a compromise on July 3, the eve of the vote, putting forward Mr Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, 79, of the Prachachat Party, a junior coalition member. The MFP’s anti-establishment policies, such as plans to amend the lèse-majesté law and reform powerful establishments like the military and monopolistic industries, have faced resistance from conservative and royalist forces.

“If MFP gives it up its plan to amend section 112, they will lose their core supporters,” said Dr Punchada, who suggests that the MFP could tone down on its 112 campaign, or suggest new laws that will prevent the misuse of the law. “This might make it more acceptable and not severely change their message,” she said.

A handful of parties that can provide it support have indicated that they will not approve a Pheu Thai-led coalition if the MFP remains part of it. Over the weekend, Pheu Thai held marathon meetings with a few conservative parties, including the Bhumjaithai Party , and outgoing PM Prayut Chan-o-cha’s former party the United Thai Nation Party .

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