Thailand’s opposition Move Forward Party names new leader

Thailand’s opposition Move Forward named a new leader on Saturday after Pita Limjaroenrat, who led the party to a stunning election victory in May, was thwarted in his efforts to become premier.
Chaithawat Tulathon, a former political magazine editor, will head Move Forward, which won the most seats in parliament on a wave of youth and urban support over its anti-establishment policies. The progressive party will lead the opposition after conservative lawmakers and an unelected senate blocked its attempts to form a government.
Pita stepped down as party leader earlier this month amid a host of legal and legislative challenges that many see as part of a pattern by the pro-military and royalist establishment to diminish a new generation of leaders.
In July, he was suspended from parliament over allegations he owned shares in a media company, making him unfit for office. Pita denies this.
Chaithawat, who was previously the party’s secretary-general, called the move a “temporary restructuring” while Pita clears his name. Pita would continue on as advisor to the party and manage activities outside parliament, Chaitawat said.