28-6-2023 (BANGKOK) The Constitutional Court in Thailand has requested an update from the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) on a petition against the Move Forward Party (MFP) for allegedly attempting to overthrow the constitutional monarchy. However, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam has played down the significance of the request, stating that it is standard procedure for the OAG to inform the court of its decision 15 days after receiving the petition. Mr Wissanu also stressed that it is premature to discuss the possibility of the petition leading to the dissolution of the MFP.
Even if the court agrees to hear the petition, the Deputy Prime Minister added that it will not impact the upcoming parliamentary vote for a new prime minister, as the matter directly concerns the MFP and not its leader Pita Limjaroenrat individually. This means that Mr Pita will not be suspended as an MP while the court considers the case.
The petition was filed by lawyer Theerayut Suwankesorn, who claims that the MFP’s policy on Section 112 of the Criminal Code, better known as the lese majeste law, is an attempt to overthrow the constitutional monarchy and therefore a breach of Section 49. The OAG has yet to receive several documents related to the case which may have considerable bearing on its final decision, according to Deputy OAG spokesman Kosolwat Inthachanyong.
Mr Pita has stated that he is not concerned about the petition and that the MFP will not soften its stance on amending Section 112. He has also warned senators not to use his party’s intention to amend the lese majeste law as an excuse to block his bid for prime minister, as this would pit the higher institution against the people.
Mr Pita needs at least 376 votes from the 750 members of parliament to become the next prime minister, a feat he claims to be confident of achieving. He has also confirmed that he will maintain the system of constitutional monarchy in Thailand and that the proposed amendment to Section 112 is not a repeal of the law, but rather a necessary change to maintain the constitutional monarchy during a period of transition in the country.
