Pita shares TIME100 Next honour with all Thais

MOVE Forward advisory chairman Pita Limjaroenrat said in his speech at the third annual TIME100 Next gala dinner in New York City last night (this morning in Thailand) after being chosen one of this year’s emerging leaders shaping the future that he is sharing the honour with all Thais, Matichon newspaper said.

Pita started by mentioning that Time magazine probably named him on the prestigious TIME100 Next list because of the phenomenon that occurred in the May 14 general election with Thais across the country and around the world coming out in large numbers to vote thus clearly demonstrating a need for change.

In the end, even though the Move Forward Party was victorious it was not able to form a government in accordance to the will of the majority of the people.

“I am proud of the past election, I call it a phenomenon, it’s not just me, it is something that we have to accept and give back to the people who raised their voice and demanded change.

“It was one of the elections with the highest turnout, it was one of the elections with the highest early voting, it was one of the elections where people all over the country and in 90 countries, if I remember correctly, came out to vote.

“This sent out a wave with the whole world again becoming interested in Thailand, and I hope this will help Thailand once more stand on the global stage.

“At the very least people are turning to look at Thailand again and seeing that there is this type of politics and citizens in the country and I think this is something that has turned this into the Miracle of Thailand year,” he said.

Pita added that over 76% of the people in the country had voted in the last election and of the over100,000 overseas Thais who had registered to vote, over 90,000 did so, or around 86-87%.

He also discussed various issues with other participants including Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt where the setting up of sister cities was discussed while talks with Verizon Communications Inc Chief Technology Officer Hans Vestberg focussed on Myanmar.

CAPTION:

Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat with other guests and honorees at the TIME100 Next gala dinner. Photos: Matichon

Also read: Pita off to US to attend TIME100 Next event

Driver dead, 15 students hurt as truck slams into van

Chada’s son-in-law nabbed on bribery charges

Submarine deal won’t be scrapped at expense of other agreements: Suthin

Thaksin had four shoulder incisions: Paetongtarn

Less than 1,000 Thais in Israel’s red zone but flights back not full

Thailand’s digital wallet uncomparable to Japan’s shopping coupon: Julapun