- Thailand‘s Constitutional Court dissolved the Move Forward Party for proposing changes to the lese majeste law.
- The party’s executive members, including Pita Limjaroenrat, face a 10-year political ban.
- Move Forward’s members plan to continue their work under a new party.
Thailand’s Constitutional Court has ordered the dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP), which had secured the most votes in the last general election.
The court ruled unanimously that the party‘s proposal to amend the lese majeste law, Article 112, violated the constitution.
Move Forward Party Dissolution Sparks Political Turmoil in Thailand
Despite this setback, MFP’s lawmakers are determined to continue their political work. They have 60 days to join a new party to retain their parliamentary seats. The party’s dissolution is seen by many as a move by conservative forces to suppress the progressive movement in Thailand. Human rights organizations and political analysts have criticized the decision, emphasizing the ongoing struggle between progressive and conservative elements in Thai politics.
The MFP’s inability to form a government after its electoral victory stemmed from the Senate’s refusal to endorse its prime ministerial candidate. The Senate, largely composed of military-appointed members, opposed the MFP’s stance on lese majeste reforms. Following the court’s ruling, the MFP’s lawmakers are regrouping to continue their political mission under a new party, expected to be announced soon.
The court’s ruling has drawn significant criticism from human rights organizations and political analysts, who see it as a deliberate effort to suppress progressive political movements. This action echoes previous measures against the Future Forward Party, MFP’s predecessor, which was dissolved in 2020 under similar circumstances. Such actions underscore the tension between Thailand’s progressive and conservative forces.
In response to the court’s decision, MFP members have vowed to persist in their advocacy for democratic reforms. The dissolution has not deterred their commitment to change, as they plan to re-establish themselves under a new political entity. The continued use of Article 112 to stifle dissent highlights the challenges faced by Thailand’s progressive movement in its quest for political and social reform.
The dissolution of the Move Forward Party represents a significant challenge to Thailand’s progressive movement. However, the resilience of its members suggests that efforts to advocate for democratic reforms will continue, even under a new party banner.
“You can get rid of the agents, the representatives for these people’s beliefs, but you are not going to be able to get rid of the beliefs,” – Attaphon Buaphat.
