Prominent Thai leader speaks at Inaugural Southeast Asia Oration

Thailand's progressive Move Forward Party leader Mr Pita Limjaroenrat leads a discussion at the 2024 Southeast Asia Oration. Image credit: Aaron Francis.

The leader of Thailand's progressive Move Forward Party, Mr Pita Limjaroenrat, delivered the Inaugural 2024 Southeast Asia Oration at the University of Melbourne last night.

Held at the University's Science Gallery, the event welcomed a diverse audience, including Asia-Pacific policymakers, academic leaders, and industry experts. Mr. Limjaroenrat shared his insights on the complex trajectory of democracy in Southeast Asia, drawing from his experiences in the 2023 Thai general elections, where his party won a majority of seats but was obstructed from forming a government.

Mr. Limjaroenrat discussed the institutional barriers that prevented him from becoming Prime Minister, shedding light on broader regional democratic challenges.

"The potential dissolution of the Move Forward Party serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our democratic gains. It is a call to action for all of us to stand together in defence of democracy, not just in Thailand but across the region. We must not allow the abuse of legal mechanisms or the manipulation of constitutional processes to silence the voices of the people or undermine the integrity of our elections."

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement), Professor Michael Wesley, said Mr Limjaroenrat's oration sent an important message explaining the significant challenges and opportunities in Asia and the Pacific, where approximately 4.3 billion people live.

"Through our research and academic expertise, the University of Melbourne, alongside Asialink and the Asia Institute, have a role to play in fostering independent, evidence-based discussions, aiming to influence positive change to the complex challenges faced in the world's most dynamic region," Professor Wesley said.

Mr. Limjaroenrat's oration was followed by a panel discussion on the health of diplomacy in the region, featuring experts from the University of Melbourne and partner institutions including the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Asia institute and the International Crisis Group. Critical questions were raised regarding the influence of emerging governments in Indonesia, Australia's role in supporting democratic movements, and the broader impact of authoritarian regimes on trade and investment.

Professor Wesley, who moderated the panel, underscored this dialogue's strategic importance: "By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, these conversations aim to address and find solutions to pressing regional challenges with sustainable impact. The University's engagement aligns with its societal role of promoting open inquiry and respectful disagreement, reinforcing its commitment to independent, evidence-based discourse".

The Southeast Asia Oration is part of the University of Melbourne's Asia and the Pacific Outlook Series, which aims to deepen cooperation with regional partners and help drive impactful, evidence-based solutions to shared challenges faced within the region.

"We are deeply invested in building knowledge partnerships with emerging research and innovation powerhouses while also strengthening long-standing academic relationships. The Asia and the Pacific Outlook Series allows us to lead and convene important discussions within our complex and dynamic region, as part of our 'Advancing Melbourne Globally' strategy", Professor Wesley said.

In 2024, the University plans to host two more thought leadership events under this initiative, leveraging its unique geographic location and expertise on and within the region to further enhance understanding and collaboration.

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