Banned but not beaten: Pita Limjaroenrat is building a new generation of leaders from Harvard

Following the court ruling, Limjaroenrat was named an adviser to the chairman of the political group Progressive Movement and began a new role as a Visiting Democracy Fellow at Harvard University in Boston, USA. 

Limjaroenrat described it as an exciting opportunity for him to continue his commitment to promoting democratic leadership and principles in the Asean region. He hopes to share his political experiences with the younger generation and gain new perspectives in preparation to return as a better politician.

“Returning to Harvard this time is very meaningful to me. When I studied here nearly 20 years ago, I was deeply inspired by the many former leaders who came as visiting fellows after playing pivotal roles in transforming their countries. They settled in Boston to shape the next generation of leaders without discrimination. I am honoured to follow in their footsteps and continue their vision of building a better society.”

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During Harvard’s summer break, Limjaroenrat had the opportunity to return to Thailand to launch his new book, The Almost Prime Minister, which he describes as a political memoir—stories never before shared publicly. 

Over the past year, as he travelled abroad he was often recognised as “The Almost Prime Minister guy”. Some even jokingly referred to him as the “29.5th Prime Minister,” since he came so close to becoming Thailand’s 30th leader.

“The Thais even say, ‘Voting for Limjaroenrat is just for the ceremony,’” he shares, laughing—a bitter joke that reflects the political fatigue many Thais feel when their voices continue to go unheard.

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Limjaroenrat emphasises that politics isn’t inherently boring. Rather, it’s the deliberate actions of certain groups that make it dramatic, annoying and confusing—so much so that it becomes difficult to follow.

“This is the whiplash strategy. It’s designed to make people feel hopeless about politics, to feel like their voice doesn’t matter. Worse, it conveys the idea that ‘the cost of voting is higher than its benefits.’

“That’s why it’s the responsibility of the pro-democracy side to show people that the benefits of voting far outweigh the costs. Because when people get tired of politics, it’s as if we’re handing over the country’s future to those same groups.”

Though the book The Almost Prime Minister is told from his own perspective, Limjaroenrat insists it’s not just about him. “This is about us; it’s our collective story. A story of victories obstructed, of a journey that refuses to give up, and a future we must all build together.”

After dropping off his nine-year-old daughter Pipim at school, the 44-year-old Limjaroenrat shares with Tatler his experiences at Harvard and what he’s been learning.

“Living in Boston has shown me just how much the world has changed. If we want to be knowledgeable, a fast learner and globally aware, we must put ourselves at the centre of global change.That’s very far from what’s being discussed in parliament.

“We’re talking about generative AI, AI and politics, geopolitics and sovereignty, and rare critical minerals—these are things you won't find elsewhere. With nine years of my political ban remaining, I want to use this time wisely. My goal is to learn as much as I can to support my dream of transforming Thailand. At the very least, I won’t waste my own potential, or the opportunities given to me by being in such a rich environment.”

He often reminds himself, “Follow your heart, but take your brain with you.”

As a visiting fellow, Limjaroenrat has taken part in many dimensions of academic and student life at Harvard.

He’s delivered public lectures on topics like the future of Thailand and founded a study group called Padthai & Politics, an inclusive, cross-cultural learning community of Harvard students across all levels, where he shares firsthand political experience with those interested in pursuing public careers. The group reflects Limjaroenrat’s real political experiences during his tenure as a member of the House of Representatives.

To support those who dream of entering politics or working behind the scenes on policy, he also offers 20-minute private office hours for students interested in Thailand, Asean or politics in general. Limjaroenrat has even been invited by Harvard professors to act as a professor’s resource, bringing his regional expertise and real-world experiences into classroom discussions.

“I intend to make myself as useful as possible during my time as a visiting fellow at Harvard. I hope to serve as a coach for those who want to bring new blood into politics—grooming the next generation of leaders both in Thailand and across Asia.”

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Over the course of nearly a year, Limjaroenrat has met Thai students and expatriates around the world, giving him a renewed sense of hope in the country’s next generation.

“First of all, they are way more capable than my generation. Thanks to educational technology and information access, first- and second-year students today can be just as knowledgeable as we were.

“Secondly, they’re more ambitious. I have met Thais working at Apple, OpenAI, TSMC, Ikea—truly impressive people, 15 or 16 years younger than me, right at the heart of global change.”

He shared examples of young Thais who are shaping the future, including one at Ikea in Sweden and is doing research on low-carbon packaging or another who is trying to use AI to detect early-stage cancer cells. 

“What’s most important is that these young people, no matter how far away they are, haven’t lost their public-mindedness. They still dream of returning to help Thailand. I once met a Thai Harvard student from Nakhon Si Thammarat who received a scholarship and told me they wanted to return and become the head of their provincial government, the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Administrative Organisation. That made me proud. 

“It reminded me that the frustration we feel in Thailand is just here—but outside, there are many doing what our generation couldn’t, ready to come back and fix this country together.” 

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Limjaroenrat doesn’t believe that brain-drain prevention policies can force young talents to return. Instead, a welcoming ecosystem must be built to attract them back.

“If brilliant scholarship students come back to a bureaucratic system where they’re asked to take notes, make coffee, or follow supervisors to formal events—they’ll quickly feel drained and lose motivation.

“But if we place them in nurturing environments that allow them to thrive and be happy, and build good relationships, they can become ambassadors for Thailand, whether they are in fashion, public health or even nuclear energy.”

Limjaroenrat points out that young people with dreams of becoming designers or photographers may hope to live in fashion capitals like New York. Those in biotech may aim for Cambridge or Stanford. Aspiring pharmacists may aim for companies like Novo Nordisk in Denmark.

These individuals will be key connectors between Thailand and the world. He offers: “That’s why I’ve been working to build a database of Thai and Asean global talents everywhere I go: Harvard, MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, University of Michigan, Oxford, Yonsei in Korea, Todai and Tsukuba in Japan, as well as Finland and Sweden.

“When I meet someone interesting, I save their name and information. Right now, I have about 400 to 500 names. I’m happy to be a network bridge for the new generation who want to return and develop the country—through servant leadership, supporting those who want to enter politics, run for office, or help shape policy behind the scenes.

“In ten years, I believe this generation will be ready to create real change.”

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Among the most common questions from young people who seek Limjaroenrat’s advice is: How do you take care of yourself physically and emotionally?

“They’re faster and more talented than my generation, for sure—but also more stressed. The ease of accessing information has raised performance standards dramatically. Social media amplifies comparison and competition, adding pressure. I get asked a lot about how to care for your mental health when working intensely—especially during a campaign where you start at 4 or 5 am, finish at 8 pm, for 60 straight days. Where does that stamina come from, and how do you stay fresh?”

He explains that these skills need to be practiced. A key approach is celebrate the small victories daily and ask “What three things did you do today that you’re proud of?” Celebrate those, rather than constantly looking for flaws.

Another method is processing emotions step-by-step: “Start by listening to something that clears your mind—whether it’s music or a podcast. Then write out the thoughts circling in your head. After that, read something new. Some people get home and read right away, but they’re still mentally stuck on office problems, creating internal conflict.

“If we build routines that let us do this daily—even just a little—it helps us sleep better, wake up refreshed. It’s like recharging our phone’s battery every night.”

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He shares one last reflection: don’t compare yourself to others or measure your success using someone else’s yardstick. Also, don’t let negative, false comments affect you.

“In today’s social media world, anyone can insult anyone else. If toxic comments aren’t true—don’t take it personally. Hillary Clinton taught me that. It’s a kind of immunity every politician needs when their life is under constant scrutiny. Without it, you’ll burn out—and burnout will eat away at you every day unless you learn to put out the fire daily.”

When asked if he had a final message to the Tatler Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow, he says this. “This generation has to deal with far more pressure—economic, social, technological—than mine ever did. I want to encourage everyone still searching for their identity: Once you’ve found it, don’t forget your country. Don’t forget your people. Don’t forget the places that gave you this chance.

“I hope that in ten years, we will be a country of rights, freedoms, innovation and creativity. Every country has its own fights—to win in one way or another. So fight with hope. Fight with strength, and don’t give up.

“One day... we will get there.”

This article was originally written in Thai by Chachanondh Limthong and published on July 11, 2025.

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