Pita Limjaroenrat, Thailand’s former Prime
Minister-designate, has become one of the nation’s most influential political figures in recent years. For millions of Thais, he represents hope for change and a challenge to the entrenched power of the country’s long-dominant elites.

In the 2023 general election, Pita’s Move Forward Party emerged victorious, winning the largest number of seats in the House of Representatives. However, the party’s efforts to form a government were thwarted. Pita’s bid for the premiership was blocked by the military-appointed Senate, which withheld the necessary votes. Shortly afterward, the Constitutional Court dissolved Move Forward, banning its key members, including Pita, from politics for 10 years. The court cited the party’s campaign to amend Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, which it deemed an attempt to undermine the monarchy. Many observers viewed this decision as an example of “lawfare”—the strategic use of legal mechanisms by the ruling elites to stifle opposition and maintain their grip on power.

Despite these challenges, Pita remains a deeply popular figure, commanding a passionate following among those who see him as the embodiment of a more progressive and equitable future for Thailand. His supporters view him as a leader capable of addressing the country’s most urgent challenges and enacting transformative change.

LEAD THE WAY chronicles Pita’s extraordinary rise in politics and the trials he has faced along his journey. The film follows him as he navigates a demanding schedule as a visiting fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and as a guest speaker for various social organizations across continents. Along the way, Pita engages in meaningful dialogues with distinguished leaders who have faced similar
obstacles in their respective fields, exchanging insights on pressing global issues.

This documentary is not a work of hero worship, nor does it aim to present Pita as a flawless figure. Instead, it delves into the complexities of his character—an individual who openly acknowledges his missteps and imperfections while remaining steadfast in his commitment to meaningful change. Through candid moments and reflective interviews, the film paints a nuanced portrait of Pita, not just as a political figure but as a human being navigating the immense pressures of leadership and public scrutiny. It offers viewers an intimate look at his vulnerabilities, resilience, and determination to push for progress despite the obstacles that have come his way.

This is not a film solely for Pita’s supporters. LEAD THE WAY speaks to anyone who believes in the power of collective action and the ability to grow through challenges. By sharing Pita’s story, the documentary inspires viewers to reflect on their own capacity to face adversity and contribute to positive change. It underscores the idea that leadership isn’t about perfection but about perseverance, learning, and a willingness to work together for a better future. Through Pita’s journey, the film invites audiences to envision a world where hope and determination triumph over division and despair.

NICHOLAS SIMON is the founder and head of Indochina Productions (ICP), growing it from a small service company to its status today. With over three decades in the film industry, he has worked on everything from international ads to large studio tentpole to indie film darlings. He is a member of the Producers Guild of America and the Production Guild UK. His most recent credits include The White Lotus Season 3, The Creator, and The Sympathizer.

COD SATRUSAYANG is a senior producer with Indochina Productions. He has over ten years experience working as a creative consultant for major Hollywood blockbusters including The White Lotus, Extraction, The Meg 2, Thai Cave Rescue, and more. He currently heads ICP's local production arm overseeing the development and production of Thai scripted features and series. In this capacity he helped produced HBO Max's Deane’s Dynasty, the feature film Useful Ghost and the upcoming Pen Ek Ratanaruang thriller Morte Cucina.

PRABDA YOON is a renowned Thai writer and filmmaker whose work has earned wide recognition. His short story collection, The Sad Part Was, won the prestigious S.E.A. Write Award in 2002 and later received the UK's PEN Translation Prize in 2015. In film and television, Prabda has written, directed, and produced several acclaimed projects, including Netflix’s Bangkok Breaking and Dalah: Death and the Flowers. In 2021, he was honored with the Fukuoka Art and Culture Prize.

SU CHING TEH is a writer-producer based in Singapore and Bangkok. She has produced and written for shows on Audible, Netflix and HBO. Through her content company Purple Tree, she has produced films that have screened in the Cannes International Film Festival, Telluride International Film Festival, Tokyo Short Shorts, Berlinale, Venice, Locarno, Toronto and Busan.