17-7-2024 (BANGKOK) In a pivotal moment for Thailand’s political landscape, the Constitutional Court has set August 7 as the date for delivering its highly anticipated ruling on the dissolution case against the Move Forward Party (MFP). The court’s decision holds profound implications for the opposition party, which currently leads the opposition in parliament, and could reshape the nation’s political dynamics.
The dissolution case against the MFP stems from a petition submitted by the Election Commission’s (EC) political party registrar in March. The petitioner has alleged that the party has shown an intention to overthrow the democratic regime of the government, with His Majesty the King as the head of state. The EC claims to possess evidence of the MFP’s actions deemed hostile to the constitutional monarchy.
At the crux of the controversy lies the MFP’s efforts to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly known as the lèse-majesté law. The party had proposed amendments that would require any lèse-majesté complaint to be filed by the Royal Household Bureau, rather than politicians and others. Additionally, the proposed changes sought to reduce the sentences associated with the law.
In a preliminary ruling issued on January 31, the Constitutional Court opined that the MFP’s attempts to amend Section 112 indicated an intention to undermine the constitutional monarchy. The court ordered the party to cease all efforts to rewrite the lèse-majesté law, stating that campaigning on the issue was considered an attempt to end the constitutional monarchy, thereby violating Section 49 of the constitution.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the Constitutional Court found that the case centered on legal problems and that there was sufficient evidence to render a ruling. The court decided to conclude the hearing, granting the MFP the opportunity to submit a written closing statement by July 24, if desired.
If the court rules in favor of the dissolution petition, the MFP could face severe consequences. The petitioner has requested the revocation of the party executives’ rights to stand for election and a prohibition on them and those who lose those rights from registering or serving on the executive of a new party for 10 years, as per Sections 92 and 94 of the organic law on political parties.
The MFP, led by Pita Limjaroenrat, has garnered significant support, particularly among the youth demographic. In the previous general election, the party secured the most votes and the most seats in parliament. However, it was prevented from forming a coalition government due to opposition from conservative lawmakers and military-appointed senators. This led to the second-largest party, Pheu Thai, breaking its agreement with the MFP and joining forces with parties from the previous government to form the current ruling coalition.
