BANGKOK, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Thailand's opposition Move Forward named a new leader on Saturday after Pita Limjaroenrat, who led the party to a stunning election victory in May, was thwarted in his efforts to become premier.
The progressive party will lead the opposition after conservative lawmakers and an unelected senate blocked its attempts to form a government.
Pita stepped down as party leader earlier this month amid a host of legal and legislative challenges that many see as part of a pattern by the pro-military and royalist establishment to diminish a new generation of leaders.
Pita would continue on as advisor to the party and manage activities outside parliament, Chaitawat said.
"This could easily wipe out members of the opposition, who give commentary calling for reforms," he added.
Persons:
Pita Limjaroenrat, Chaithawat, Pita, Chaitawat, Pannika, penalises, Phasuk, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panu, Kanupriya Kapoor, Simon Cameron, Moore
Organizations:
Human Rights Watch, Reuters, Thomson
Locations:
BANGKOK, Thailand