31-1-2024 (BANGKOK) The opposition Move Forward Party refuted claims of seeking to undermine the royal institution, asserting that the Constitutional Court’s ruling could have far-reaching implications for the monarchy.
Leader Chaithawat Tulathon responded to the court’s decision, which deemed the party’s attempts to amend Section 112, the lese-majeste law, as indicative of an agenda to dismantle the constitutional monarchy.
While acknowledging the ruling, Mr Chaithawat expressed concern over the narrowing political space for discussing critical issues in the future.
He also acknowledged the possibility of petitions seeking the party’s dissolution in light of the court’s decision, stating that the party had prepared for any potential outcomes.
“We are not alarmed, but we are vigilant,” he told reporters.
Mr Chaithawat emphasized that the party had no intention of undermining the royal institution or separating it from the nation, countering the court’s assertion.
“Moreover, we are apprehensive that today’s ruling by the Constitutional Court may have long-term repercussions on Thai politics,” he added.
He highlighted the potential impact on the power dynamics between the legislature and the Constitutional Court, as well as on the understanding and definition of constitutional monarchy.
According to Mr Chaithawat, the court’s ruling could retroactively implicate the actions of many other parties and individuals during both the absolute monarchy and the democratic era as attempts to subvert governmental authority.
“Today’s ruling may create challenges in maintaining the balance between democracy and the royal institution in Thailand’s political system in the future,” he remarked.
“Ultimately, today’s ruling could lead to the royal institution increasingly becoming a factor in political conflicts in Thailand, potentially impacting the institution itself.”
He also noted that Thai society might lose its opportunity to utilize the democratic parliamentary system to resolve conflicts.
Moreover, Mr Chaithawat suggested that the ruling could have broader implications for democracy, as well as for the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
Pita Limjaroenrat, the party’s former leader and current head of its advisory board, echoed concerns about the ruling’s potential impact on democratic progress in Thailand.
“This represents a missed opportunity for us to utilize parliament to seek consensus on such a significant and sensitive issue,” he informed reporters.
Following the announcement of the ruling, Move Forward swiftly appealed for support and donations on its X account.
“Stand up and act as a political party representing the people, by the people, for the people, serving the people who are the true power of the nation,” the appeal stated. “Strive to create a society where Thai people are equal. Lead Thailand to progress alongside the rest of the world.
“This is our simple political aspiration. It is not aimed at overthrowing the democratic government with the King as the Head of State.”
