2023 Move Forward Party leadership election

The 2023 Move Forward Party leadership election was triggered on 15 September 2023 after incumbent leader Pita Limjaroenrat announced his intention to step down as leader of the Move Forward Party amidst his suspension as a Member of the House of Representatives by the Constitutional Court.

Pita had served as party leader for three years, leading Move Forward to victory in the 2023 general election. The party won 151 seats, more than any other party. After forming a coalition with other parties, Pita was submitted as a candidate for Prime Minister in the National Assembly. While he had a majority of support in the lower house, the military-appointed Senate mostly rejected his candidacy. Before the 2nd premiership election could take place, the Constitutional Court suspended Pita over alleged violation of election laws. Move Forward would be relegated to the opposition after their agreement with their main coalition partner, the Pheu Thai Party, fell apart. Unable to continue his duties in the House, Pita was not able to be appointed Leader of the Opposition. He announced he would resign as party leader, with a successor being elected on 23 September.

Chaithawat Tulathon, the party’s Secretary-General, won the election unopposed. He stated that he would be willing to step down were Pita to seek the party leadership after his presumed acquittal of any wrongdoing by the Court. Chaithawat was subsequently appointed as Leader of the Opposition on 17 December 2023. Pita was cleared of any wrongdoing by the Constitutional Court on 24 January 2024. He returned to Parliament the following day, with no leadership election being held at the party's general meeting on 6 April 2024.