The "Almost Prime Minister" | Pita Limjaroenrat

In this episode of Policy Pod with Deep Dive, Master of Public Policy students Marc Naro and Richard Heydarian sit down with Pita Limjaroenrat, the former leader of Thailand's Move Forward Party and the man widely seen as Thailand's "almost prime minister."

Following his party's landmark victory in the 2023 general election, Pita appeared poised to lead Thailand's next government. Yet despite winning the popular mandate, a complex political and institutional process prevented him from taking office.

Together, they explore Thailand's democratic trajectory, the relationship between electoral legitimacy and political power, the role of institutions in democratic governance, and the challenges facing reform-minded leaders in an era of political polarization. Pita also reflects on his personal journey, the future of Thai politics, and the lessons his experience offers for democracies around the world.

A fascinating conversation on democracy, leadership, and what happens when winning an election is not enough to govern.