BANGKOK, July 23 (Reuters) - Hundreds of pro-deomcracy protesters in Thailand gathered on Sunday in a show of support for Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward party, after conservative opponents thwarted his latest attempt to become prime minister.
Parliament has twice blocked the Harvard-educated Pita, 42, from becoming prime minister - once last Wednesday and previously the week before - which his supporters say was due to unfair rules.
Move Forward's policies put it on collision course with Thailand's nexus of royalist military, old money elites and conservative forces.
Move Forward's eight-party coalition includes the populist Pheu Thai party and controls a majority in the 500-member lower house.
Another vote on the premiership is scheduled for Thursday when Move Forward coalition ally Pheu Thai will propose a candidate who is largely expected to be political newcomer real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin.
Persons:
Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Pheu, Srettha Thavisin, Chayut, Barbara Lewis
Organizations:
Harvard, Thomson
Locations:
BANGKOK, Thailand, Bangkok, Thai