Thailand’s Pita Limjaroenrat resigns as Move Forward Party’s leader, to remain involved in MFP

The MFP left a coalition partnership with opposition rivals Pheu Thai, who went on to form a coalition government with pro-military parties, and said they would go into opposition.

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“I resigned as the MFP’s party leader to pave the way for an MP that is able to have a voice in parliament, be the opposition leader,” Pita wrote on his official Facebook page.

Under current rules, the leader of the opposition must be an MP.

“Due to my MP suspension, I won’t be able to get my MP position and be opposition leader in the near future,” Pita posted.

In July he was suspended as an MP while waiting for the Constitutional Court’s ruling over his ownership of shares in a now-defunct media company.

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MPs are prohibited from owning media shares under the Thai constitution.

In the Facebook post, Pita said he would remain closely involved in the party.

“No matter what my role is, I will still be involved in MFP and will work closely with the people to my fullest capacity, so that we could achieve something together.”

Additional reporting by Asia desk