This weekend’s election will see political royal Paetongtarn Shinawatra face off against army chiefs
Pita Limjaroenrat, 43, is leader of the progressive opposition party Move Forward, which is hugely popular among young people who want democratic reforms. Move Forward is the only party to commit to pushing for reform of Thailand’s strict lese majesty law, under which criticising the monarchy is punishable with up to 15 years in jail.
He has performed strongly in polling, and recently ranked ahead of Paetongtarn as the favourite to be prime minister.Photograph: Adirach Toumlamoon/Pacific Press/ShutterstockThe incumbent prime minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former army chief who first took power in a coup in 2014, is allowed to serve only until 2025, according to the constitution. But, despite this, he is campaigning for re-election under a new political party, United Thai Nation.
Prayuth Chan-ocha, the Thai PM, plays with a water pistol as he celebrates the Songkran holiday in Bangkok last month.Prayuth’s supporters say he has brought stability to the country, and praise his management of the pandemic. Prayuth has sought to show his fun side on the campaign trail, even donning a colourful shirt to take part in Songkran celebrations last month. However, opinion polls suggest he is lacking in support. He is strongly opposed by young voters who support democracy.
Some have questioned if the 78-year-old is fit enough to run for office – he has responded that he is still a quick thinker.
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