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Chaithawat Tulathon
ชัยธวัช ตุลาธน
Chaithawat in 2023
Leader of the Opposition
In office
17 December 2023 – 7 August 2024
Prime MinisterSrettha Thavisin
Preceded byCholnan Srikaew
Succeeded byNatthaphong Ruengpanyawut
Leader of the Move Forward Party
In office
23 September 2023[1] – 7 August 2024
Preceded byPita Limjaroenrat
Succeeded byNatthaphong Ruengpanyawut (People's Party; de facto)
Secretary-General of the Move Forward Party
In office
14 March 2020 – 23 September 2023
Preceded by
Succeeded byApichat Sirisunthon[1]
Member of the House of Representatives
In office
14 May 2023 – 7 August 2024
ConstituencyParty-list
Personal details
Born
Chaithawat Sae-Kou

(1978-10-15) 15 October 1978 (age 46)
Songkhla, Thailand
Political partyPeople's (2024–present)
Other political
affiliations
Alma materChulalongkorn University (BEng)
Occupation
  • Politician
  • engineer
WebsiteCampaign website
NicknameTom (ต๋อม)[2][3]

Chaithawat Tulathon (Thai: ชัยธวัช ตุลาธน; born Chaithawat Sae-Kou, ชัยธวัช แซ่โค้ว, 15 October 1978) is a Thai former politician who served as Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Move Forward Party from 2023 to 2024. A former member of the House of Representatives, he previously served as the party's secretary-general from 2020 to 2023.[4][5]

On 7 August 2024, Chaithawat was banned from politics along with other senior politicians for 10 years after a verdict from the Constitutional Court of Thailand.[6]

Early life and education

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Chaithawat was born on 15 October 1978, in Songkhla, Thailand.[7] He studied at Hatyaiwittayalai School and Triam Udom Suksa School, the latter of which he was classmates with Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.[8]

Chaithawat studied Bachelor of Engineering Program in Environmental Engineering at Chulalongkorn University and was leader of the Student Federation of Thailand from 1998 to 1999.[4] In 2002 Chaithawat founded the Same Sky Books political magazine and served as its editor until 2018.[9]

Political career

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MFP Secretary-General (2020–2023)

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Fourteen days after the formation of the Move Forward Party, formed after the Future Forward Party was dissolved by a Constitutional Court order, Chaithawat was selected to be the party's Secretary General on 14 May 2020. On the same day, Pita Limjaroenrat was elected party leader.[10]

Chaitawat speaking at a campaign event in April 2023.

Chaithawat Tulathon contested in the 2023 general election as a party-list candidate for the Move Forward Party. He was listed second under party leader Pita Limjaroenrat on party list ballots.[11] Chaithawat confirmed in early May that Pita would be the party's only prime ministerial nominee, and that the party would field candidates in all 400 constituencies.[12] Under Pita and Chaithawat, the Move Forward Party won the most seats (153) in the election, and amassed about 38% of the popular vote.[13]

Chaithwat helped negotiate a government formation with fellow pro-democracy parties in the days after the election. Representing Move Forward, he and Pita successfully negotiated a coalition government agreement with various parties, including the populist Phue Thai Party, which had come second in the election in what was widely described as an upset.[14] A memorandum of understanding, a first in the history of Thai politics, was signed by all cooperating parties, which included, among other things, the nomination of Pita as prime minister upon the meeting of the National Assembly in July.[15] Chaithawat and the party faced many hurdles upon the coalition announcement however. The Thai Senate, composed of members appointed by the military after the 2014 coup, maintained voting power in the election of the prime minister. The party was also under small threats of dissolution due to its proposed lèse-majesté (royal insult law) reforms. Party leader Pita was also under consideration for suspension by Thailand's Constitutional Court, after the Election Commission alleged he had violated election law.[16] Nevertheless, Chaithwat and party leaders projected confidence going into the premiership election in the National Assembly.[17]

On 13 July the National Assembly convened to elect a new Prime Minister. Pita was nominated by the Pheu Thai party.[18] Despite securing a majority-coalition in the lower house, Pita did not obtain enough votes in the first ballot, particularly from the 250 members of the Senate.[19] After Pita fell 51 votes short of a majority protests occurred in the evening following the vote Despite this, the party refused to back down on their election promise to reform the lèse-majesté law, which was a perceived issue for some Senators.[20] The Assembly met again on 19 July. During the meeting, the National Assembly voted against considering Pita for another round of voting for Prime Minister, citing a recent ruling by the Constitutional Court.[21]

MFP leadership and Leader of the Opposition (2023–2024)

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Chaithawat stands behind MFP Leader Pita Limjareonrat during a press conference in May 2023.

With Move Forward no longer part of the post-election coalition, Pheu Thai assumed responsibility over the government formation, nominating Srettha Thavisin, a real estate tycoon, as their candidate for prime minister. The new coalition expanded to involve more conservative parties, such as Bhumjaithai, and parties that supported the military junta, such as United Thai Nation and Palang Pracharat.[22] On the condition that the new government would not support Lèse-majesté reforms (a campaign pledge the two parties shared), Srettha received the support of the un-elected Senate and was elected prime minister on 22 August 2023.[23] Chaithawat instructed all present MFP House Members to vote against Srettha's election.[24] Out of government, Move Forward joined the opposition. The party won the by-election in Constituency 3 of Rayong Province in September.[25]

On 15 September, Pita announced he would resign as party leader amidst his ongoing legal issues over his alleged campaign law violations.[26] Chaithwat was elected by acclamation to succeed Pita on 23 September.[27] Chaithwat became leader with Pita's full support.[7] Pita being unable to perform his parliamentary duties, was succeeded by Chaithawat so that he could exonerate himself.[28] Chaithawat stated his leadership was a "temporary restructure", and said he would be willing to step down once Pita was presumably acquitted by the Constitutional Court.[29] Having won the most seats in the election, Move Forward maintained the most seats out of all parties in the opposition. Chaithawat officially became the Leader of the Opposition on 17 December 2023.[30]

Chaithawat oversaw the party's response to an internal sexual assault scandal, expelling Wuttiphong Thonglour and Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit from party membership.[31] In late December, Chaithawat stated he enjoyed his work as Oppsoiton Leader, but reiterated he would be willing to step aside were Pita to be acquitted in his iTV Constitutional Court case.[32] He also said he believed most party members would support Pita for a return to leadership at the party's upcoming general meeting in April 2024.[32]

Chaithawat (centre) with Pita after a verdict from the Constitutional Court regarding lèse-majesté, 31 January 2024.

On the day of the verdict for Pita's iTV case, Chaithawat accompanied Pita to the court on 24 January 2024. The Court ultimately cleared Pita of any wrongdoing, allowing him to return to Parliament.[33] In January, Chaithawat confirmed that a general meeting of the party would take place in late April.[34] Although a general meeting of the party did occur on 6 April, no leadership election was held, and Chaithawat remained as opposition leader.[35] Chaithawat continued work in the National Assembly amidst the party's legal troubles. He led efforts to censure the government over its failure to fulfill promises made during the 2023 campaign.[36] He accused the government of undermining the justice system through double-standards and ignoring its policy statement presented to parliament. Chaithawat said that Prime Minister Srettha lacked leadership, and questioned if he really maintained control over the government.[37] In May 2024, Chaithwat said the party would be ready to re-nominate Pita for the role of Prime Minister were Srettha Thavisin to be removed in a "political accident". He also ruled out any future collaborations between Move Forward and Pheu Thai, describing the two parties 'political rivals'.[38]

Dissolution of the Move Forward Party

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Meanwhile, the party was preparing for a separate Consituional Court case, in which they were accused of attempting to overthrow the monarchy of Thailand through their promises to amend lèse-majesté laws.[39] Chaithawat believed that the proposal to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code was not a breach of the law or Section 49 of the Constitution.[40] By December 2023, both Chaithawat and Pita were interviewed in preparation for the court's decision. The court met on 31 January 2024; Move Forward was not physically present at the court for the verdict, instead watching from a conference room at the Parliament building.[41] Pita and Chaithawat arrived at around 1:50 PM, and were once again swarmed by reporters.[39] At 2:57 PM, the court ruled that Move Forward's campaign promise to amend the lèse majesté was unlawful and tantamount to attempting to overthrow the monarchy, and ordered the party to cease related activities. The ruling effectively ended any national attempts to amend lèse majesté; Chaithawat later stated the ruling effectively changed the definition of a constitutional monarchy.[42][43] The verdict made it possible for the Election Commission to ask for the party's dissolution, which could also lead to Chaithawat and other party executives being banned from politics for up to 10 years.[44]

Chaithawat (right) speaks at the last press conference of the Move Forward Party on 7 August 2024.

After petitioners asked the EC for Move Forward's dissolution in February,[45] the Commission officially asked the Constitutional Court to disband the party on 12 March.[46] In May Chaithawat stated that an alternative party was ready to accept Move Forward's 151 members of parliament, should the court order its dissolution.[47] The Court granted the party various extensions to prepare their defense as the court's deliberations went well into June and July,[48][49][50] with arguments not taking place until 2 June.[51] On 4 June, the party submitted its rebuttal statement, written by Chaithawat, to the court. The Election Commission again emphasized that they were seeking a 10-year ban on all executive party members, including Chaithawat.[52] Despite being under the threat of dissolution, the party enjoyed high popularity ratings among the public.[53] On 17 July, the court set a date for the verdict in the dissolution case for 7 August 2024.[54] The day earlier at a press conference, Chaithawat stated he objected to the evidence used by the court, and said that party members hadn't yet prepared a "backup party", believing the Move Forward party would not be dissolved.[55][56] Later in August, he argued that the Court had no authority over party dissolutions, as such powers were not stipulated in the 2019 Constitution.[57]

The party had invited the public to their headquarters in the Hua Mak district of Bangkok to listen to the ruling live. A dissolution was seen as likely by most political commentators. In the hours before the verdict, Pita said he was 'highly confident' of a favorable ruling for the party. The verdict reading began at 3:00 PM and on 7 August 2024, the party was dissolved and Chaithawat, along with other senior party executives, was banned from politics for 10 years.[58] After the verdict, Chaithawat spoke at a final press conference at party headquarters; he acknowledged the court's decision but maintained his and the party's innocence.[59][60] He stated that: "The ruling sets a dangerous precedent for the interpretation of the Constitution and laws, posing a risk to the core principles and fundamental values of our future democratic system with the King as head of state...The long-term implications may transform our democratic system into another form."[61] That evening, Chaithawat returned to Parliament to inform the House that he and 4 other MPs could no longer perform their duties as they had been banned from political activities in the country.[62]

On 9 August, the People's Party of Thailand was founded as a direct successor to the dissolved MFP. All 143 MPs who remained in the Parliament after the dissolution joined the new party, making it the largest opposition party in the House of Representatives. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut was elected leader of the new party unopposed.[63]

Political positions

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Chaithawat's Move Forward Party is considered as a progressive and centre-left political party. He and the party are known for a 'pro-democracy' platform and their goal of removing the influence of the military in civilian politics.[64] He has been described as a 'master strategist' regarding politics and elections.[7]

He is a proponent of amending Thailand's strict lèse-majesté laws.[65]

Chaithawat believes that the digital wallet scheme implemented by the Srettha government could hurt the Thai economy by increasing public borrowing.[37]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "ก้าวไกล เคาะ "ชัยธวัช" หัวหน้าพรรค "พิธา" นั่งที่ปรึกษา "อภิชาติ" เลขา-"ไอติม" โฆษก" (in Thai). Thairath. 23 September 2023. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  2. ^ "ประวัติ "ต๋อม ชัยธวัช ตุลาธน" หัวหน้าพรรคก้าวไกลคนใหม่ รับไม้ต่อ "พิธา" นำทัพฝ่ายค้าน" (in Thai). Thairath. September 2023. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  3. ^ "Thailand's opposition Move Forward Party names new leader". Al Jazeera. September 2023. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Chaithawat voted new Move Forward leader". Thai PBS. September 2023. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  5. ^ treesukee, natthakan. "มาทำความรู้จัก! 'ชัยธวัช ตุลาธน' มือประสานสิบทิศจัดตั้งรัฐบาล 'ขงเบ้ง' แห่งพรรคก้าวไกล". เดลินิวส์ (in Thai). Retrieved 26 March 2024.
  6. ^ Head, Jonathan (7 August 2024). "Thai court dissolves reformist party that won election". BBC News. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024.
  7. ^ a b c "Chaithawat Tulathon: New Move Forward leader a master strategist with Pita's blessing - Thai PBS World". 30 September 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Chaithawat elected Move Forward leader". Bangkok Post. September 2023. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  9. ^ "Move Forward elects party-list MP Chaithawat as chief on its path to becoming opposition leader". The Nation. September 2023. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  10. ^ Bangkok Post. "Pita tries to keep FFP ideology alive". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  11. ^ "ผู้สมัครบัญชีรายชื่อ | พรรคก้าวไกล". election66.moveforwardparty.org. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  12. ^ Bangkok Post. "Move Forward leader eyes 100 parliament seats". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  13. ^ Bangkok Post. "Election Commission says MFP won Sunday"s election". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  14. ^ Bloomberg, Patpicha Tanakasempipat / (16 June 2023). "What to Know About the Controversy That Could Keep Thailand's Progressive Party Leader From Taking Office". TIME. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  15. ^ "Thailand Opposition Signs Coalition Agreement, Pledges to Restore Democracy". Voice of America. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  16. ^ Tan, Clement (12 July 2023). "Thailand's Parliament is about to pick a new prime minister — and a generation's hopes are at stake". CNBC. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  17. ^ "Thailand's Pita says he has 'enough support' from Senate to become prime minister". CNBC. 27 June 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  18. ^ Bangkok Post. "Pita is sole PM candidate in parliament". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  19. ^ Ewe, Koh (13 July 2023). "Thai Parliament Blocks Pita in First Round of Prime Minister Selection". TIME. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  20. ^ "Thailand's only candidate for PM was blocked from power. Here's why that could trigger 'an uprising'". ABC News. 13 July 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  21. ^ Bangkok Post. "Parliament rejects Pita"s renomination for PM". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  22. ^ Bangkok Post. "MFP won't vote for Pheu Thai PM candidate". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  23. ^ Wee, Sui-Lee; Suhartono, Muktita (22 August 2023). "Thai Parliament Picks Real Estate Mogul as Next Prime Minister". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  24. ^ "Thai PBS เลือกนายกฯ #เลือกอนาคตประเทศไทย". Thai PBS (in Thai). Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  25. ^ "Move Forward candidate wins Rayong Constituency 3 by-election - Thai PBS World". 11 September 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  26. ^ Bangkok Post. "Pita resigns as Move Forward leader". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  27. ^ "Chaithawat voted new Move Forward leader - Thai PBS World". 23 September 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  28. ^ "Thailand's Pita resigns as Move Forward leader". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  29. ^ "Thailand's opposition Move Forward Party names new leader". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  30. ^ "leader - Thai PBS World". 19 December 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  31. ^ "Move Forward expels MP for revealing identity of abuse victims". nationthailand. 7 November 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  32. ^ a b "Pita to resume Move Forward leadership if cleared by Constitutional Court - Thai PBS World". 31 December 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  33. ^ Regan, Helen (24 January 2024). "Thai court dismisses media shares case against popular progressive politician". CNN. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  34. ^ "Chaithawat says ready to hand over Move Forward reins to Pita". nationthailand. 24 January 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  35. ^ "Thailand's Move Forward Party holds general meeting as it faces dissolution". EPA. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  36. ^ "Opposition parties to seek censure debate in April - Thai PBS World". 6 March 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  37. ^ a b "A barrage of accusations against the government as general debate begins - Thai PBS World". 3 April 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  38. ^ "Move Forward to name Pita as PM candidate if "political accident" occurs". Thailand News, Travel & Forum - ASEAN NOW. 27 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  39. ^ a b "Thai progressive party Move Forward confident in royal insult policy case". The Star. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  40. ^ Bangkok Post. "Charter Court ruling on Jan 31 in Pita, MFP case". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  41. ^ "Court to rule on anti-monarchy case against Pita, Move Forward on Jan 31". nationthailand. 25 December 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  42. ^ "Thai court orders end to Move Forward Party's bid to reform royal insult law". CNA. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  43. ^ "Court rules Move Forward attempted to topple constitutional monarchy - Thai PBS World". 31 January 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  44. ^ Wee, Sui-Lee; Suhartono, Muktita (31 January 2024). "Thai Court Rules Progressive Party's Reform Push Violated Constitution". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  45. ^ Bangkok Post. "Petition seeking Move Forward dissolution ready". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  46. ^ "Thai election body to seek dissolution of progressive party that won last year's general election". AP News. 12 March 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  47. ^ "Thailand's Move Forward Party lays out defense against dissolution". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  48. ^ Bangkok Post. "Move Forward Party gets 15 more days to submit defence". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  49. ^ Bangkok Post. "Move Forward seeks 15 more days to file defence". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  50. ^ Bangkok Post. "Move Forward wins extension to submit defence". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  51. ^ "Embattled Move Forward Party Given another Lifeline by Constitutional Court". Thailand News, Travel & Forum - ASEAN NOW. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  52. ^ "Move Forward submits rebuttal statement to charter court". world.thaipbs.or.th. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  53. ^ "Thailand: Move Forward party faces dissolution threat – DW – 02/06/2024". dw.com. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  54. ^ "Charter Court to rule on Move Forward dissolution case on August 7 - Thai PBS World". 17 July 2024. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  55. ^ ""ก้าวไกล" ยื่นคำโต้แย้งหลักฐานกกต. และศาลรธน. ใช้พิจารณาคดียุบพรรค". komchadluek (in Thai). 16 July 2024. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  56. ^ สด! แถลงคืบหน้าคดียุบพรรค. Retrieved 17 July 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  57. ^ "Move Forward party challenges charter courts power to dissolve political parties". world.thaipbs.or.th. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  58. ^ "Thai court dissolves progressive Move Forward Party, which won election but was blocked from power". AP News. 7 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  59. ^ "Thai court dissolves Move Forward - Taipei Times". www.taipeitimes.com. 9 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  60. ^ "Thai court orders major opposition party to disband over monarchy law". Mainichi Daily News. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  61. ^ "Move Forward vows to live up to its name through new party". nationthailand. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  62. ^ "Chaithawat, 4 other Move Forward MPs bow to dissolution verdict". nationthailand. 7 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  63. ^ Tanakasempipat, Patpicha (9 August 2024). "Thai Opposition Taps 37-Year-Old Tech Entrepreneur as Leader". BNN Bloomberg. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  64. ^ Bangkok Post. "Move Forward reveals 100-day roadmap". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  65. ^ "In Thailand, constitutional court orders political party to cease attempts to amend lese-majeste law". ConstitutionNet. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chaitawat Tulathon.
Political offices
Preceded by Leader of the Opposition
2023–2024 		Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded by Leader of the Move Forward Party
2023–2024 		Succeeded byas Leader of the People's Party
Preceded by Secretary-General of the
Move Forward Party
2020–2023 		Succeeded by
Apichat Sirisunthon
Preceded by
Peemai Ratthawongsa
de jure
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