Strong hold: A policeman guarding a portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun during anti-government protests in Bangkok in 2020. — ©2023 The New York Times Company
THE election was supposed to be about change. Three months ago, Thai voters propelled the progressive Move Forward Party to a surprise victory. “A new day for the people has arrived,” said Pita Limjaroenrat, the party leader, as he paraded through the streets of Bangkok.
Last week, Thailand named a new prime minister, but it was not Pita. A coalition government was formed in Parliament, made up almost entirely of parties linked to the generals who led the last military coup. Move Forward is in the opposition.
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