EXCLUSIVE: A feature-length documentary about Thai reformist politician, Pita Limjaroenrat, who was denied power after winning Thailand’s 2023 general election, is in the works with a group of U.S. and Thai producers.
Entitled Lead The Way, the film will follow the popular Thai leader from just after the 2023 election – when Thailand’s Senate refused to recognise his leadership – to his becoming a global advocate for democracy, chronicling how one man’s struggle encapsulates a broader battle unfolding worldwide.
Thai writer and filmmaker Prabda Yoon is producing the film, which is expected to go into production in 2025 and is slated for a winter 2026 release.
Also producing are are Su Ching Teh of Thailand’s Purple Tree Content, Daniel Pravit Fethke of U.S.-based Biology Productions, Jeab Indagena of Sweet East Productions, and Nicholas Simon, whose recent credits include The White Lotus. Kamolwan Panyasevanamit serves as co-producer.
In May 2023, Pita’s Move Forward Party shocked Thailand’s political establishment, winning the largest share of parliamentary seats and securing a popular mandate for sweeping reform.
But his bid to become prime minister was thwarted by entrenched powers – the unelected Senate refused to ratify his leadership, and the Constitutional Court later dissolved Move Forward altogether, banning Pita and other senior party members from politics for ten years.
His removal, seen by many observers as an act of “lawfare” to protect the status quo, sparked outrage among millions of Thais who had voted for change. Yet despite these obstacles, Pita’s voice has only grown louder, emerging as a leading figure in the global conversation on democracy and reform.
“Many people around the world may not know much about Thailand or Thai politics, yet the struggles here are deeply connected to the challenges we all face,” Prabda said. “Through the powerful story of Pita Limjaroenrat’s political journey, this documentary will shine a light on Thailand and spark hope for a brighter shared future.”
Production on the film is expected to start this year, with filming to take place in multiple countries as the team follows Pita’s evolving role on the global stage. A festival run is planned for 2026, with a streaming release to follow.
Following his political ban, Pita has been working as a traveling scholar, author and public speaker – with speaking roles at universities, including Harvard Kennedy School, to global forums where he meets with thinkers, activists and leaders confronting similar democratic backsliding.
“To have my story and Thailand’s struggle captured in this film is both humbling and urgent,” Pita said. “Around the world, democracy is under pressure – this project is a chance to show how global backsliding looks through one life, one country, and why it matters to us all.”
The producers describe the film as “a deeply human and politically urgent story, weaving together Pita’s personal experiences – including his life as a single father – with Thailand’s ongoing democratic struggle and the worldwide erosion of democratic norms.”
