Thai High Court Suspends Prime Minister Candidate Pita Amid Election Law Controversy

Thailand's Constitutional Court has suspended Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, a top candidate for prime minister, pending its ruling on whether he violated election law. Pita's party won the most seats in the May general election but failed to secure enough support from the Senate to confirm him as prime minister. The court's decision puts pressure on Pita to make way for another candidate. His party campaigned for reforms that would reduce the influence of the military and challenge laws protecting the royal family. Pita has vowed to stand for prime minister again but said he would allow a candidate from another party in his coalition to try if he fails to gain substantial support.