Move Forward party leader Chaithawat Tulathon said he is ready to step aside to allow Pita Limjaroenrat to replace him, if cleared by the Constitutional Court on January 24th of charges related to the party’s election campaign promise to amend the lèse majesté law, which plaintiffs claim constitutes an attempt to overthrow the monarchy.
An acquittal of Pita, currently advisory chairman of the party, would mean that he could resume his role as an MP, adding that most party members would support him as leader again at its general meeting in April, Chaithawat said, and that his current position as leader of the party is only temporary.
Chaithawat said that the Move Forward party’s main stumbling block going forward is not other parties, but the party itself, explaining that it must work harder and prove that it will not fail the people.
He said he keeps telling his MPs not to waste time arguing with other MPs, but concentrate on their work and duties instead.
He also said that the party is prioritising development of the capabilities and skills of their new MPs in parliamentary work. “The honeymoon is over for the government and opposition MPs. Now, they must prove their worth,” he added.
Chaithawat says he enjoys the work and role of party leader, adding that there is much that he still wishes to improve in Thai society.
