In Thailand’s 2023 legislative election, the Move Forward Party, a progressive and reformist political upstart, won more seats than any other party. However, a Thai court ordered the party’s dissolution in 2024 and banned its leader, the then 42-year-old Pita Limjaroenrat, from serving in politics for 10 years.
In this discussion, hosted by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, in partnership with the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and Capilano University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Pita Limjaroenrat— currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School—will share his views on prospects for Thailand’s democratic renewal, its evolving role in ASEAN, and opportunities for Canada-Southeast Asia co-operation.
This session will be moderated by APF Canada’s Vice-President of Research & Strategy, Vina Nadjibulla.
Guest Speaker:
Pita Limjaroenrat formerly led the Move Forward Party (MFP) in Thailand's May 2023 general elections, where his social democratic platform won the most votes and seats in Parliament.
Despite this mandate, his attempts to form a government were blocked by institutional mechanisms, and the Constitutional Court dissolved the MFP on August 7. Pita's policy focus centres on addressing grassroots issues, welfare improvements, and human rights, while advocating for the demilitarization of politics and economic demonopolization.
Currently, Pita is Visiting Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School. He holds a joint MPA-MBA from Harvard Kennedy School and MIT Sloan and has been named on the TIME 100 Next List. Today, Pita continues to champion transparent and equitable governance on a global scale.
- Due to limited seating availability, your attendance will not be confirmed until you receive a confirmation email.
