A Thai court has ordered the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward Party, which won national elections in 2023, alleging it violated the constitution by proposing an amendment to a law against defamation of the country’s royal family.
Bangkok– A Thai court on Wednesday ordered the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward Party, which won national elections in 2023, alleging it violated the constitution by proposing an amendment to a law against defamation of the country’s royal family.
The Constitutional Court said it voted unanimously to dissolve the party because its campaign to change the law was seen as an attempt to overthrow the nation’s constitutional monarchy.
The Electoral Commission filed a petition against the Move Forward Party after the Constitutional Court ruled in January that he must stop advocating for changes to the law, known as Article 112, which protects the monarchy from criticism with penalties of up to 15 years in prison for each crime.
The ruling also imposed a 10-year ban on political activity on those who held executive positions in the party while it campaigned for the proposed amendment. Among them is his charismatic former leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, and current chief Chaithawat Tulathon.
It was not clear what will happen to the rest of its non-executive legislators, although Pita said in an interview with The Associated Press that the party will ensure they have a “smooth transition to a new house” or a new party.
Lawmakers from a dissolved political party can keep their seats in Parliament if they move to a new party within 60 days.
Move Forward and its reform agenda shook Thai politics by winning the most seats in the 2023 election but were prevented from taking power. The latest legal action is one of many that have drawn widespread criticism and are seen as part of a years-long attack on the country’s progressive movement by conservative forces trying to maintain their grip on power.
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