15-7-2023 (BANGKOK) The Move Forward Party (MFP) remains resolute in its commitment to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly referred to as the lese majeste law, dismissing the senators’ attempts to undermine their efforts. MFP secretary-general, Chaithawat Tulathon, asserted on Friday that the party would not waver, despite the trap set by the senators.
In a meeting with prominent figures from the Pheu Thai party, Chaithawat discussed strategies to support MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s bid for the position of prime minister. The outcome of the discussion concluded that Mr. Pita would still be nominated during the second round of voting in parliament, scheduled for Wednesday. Furthermore, efforts will be made to garner additional support from senators.
During the initial round of voting in parliament on Thursday, Mr. Pita failed to amass enough support for his prime ministerial nomination. The primary reason cited by several senators for their refusal was Section 112.
Nevertheless, Mr. Pita remains steadfast in his determination to push forward with the amendment of the lese majeste law. He expressed his intention to gather the necessary support before the subsequent round of voting.
Reiterating the party’s position, Mr. Chaithawat emphasized that the amendment was one of the core promises made before the May 14 election. He stated, “Moreover, I don’t believe the senators would vote for Mr. Pita even if we were to announce our withdrawal from the amendment. The senators harbor preconceived notions about us. Even without the issue of Section 112, they would still find other pretexts to attack us. There are reports suggesting that influential factions are exerting pressure and seeking control over the senators, hoping to form an alternative coalition government. These old power groups and influential business entities are averse to Move Forward assuming power as the new government,” added Mr. Chaithawat.
Senator Kittisak Rattanawaraha concurred on Friday, stating that if Mr. Pita were nominated for the second round of voting on Wednesday, the outcome would likely mirror that of Thursday’s vote. Moreover, last Wednesday, the Election Commission referred the iTV shareholding scandal concerning Mr. Pita’s eligibility to the Constitutional Court. The constitution prohibits individuals holding stakes in media organizations from participating in general elections.
Additionally, the Constitutional Court accepted a petition filed by lawyer Theerayut Suwankesorn, alleging that the MFP’s intent to amend Section 112 violated Section 49 of the constitution. The latter provision prohibits the use of rights and freedoms to overthrow the constitutional monarchy.
“If Mr. Pita is nominated again on July 19, he will not receive votes from the senators, possibly not even from the 13 who voted for him on Thursday,” stated Senator Kittisak. “The runner-up party should be given an opportunity to nominate its prime ministerial candidate for the vote instead,” he added, referring to the Pheu Thai Party.
Senator Prapan Koonme expressed skepticism, asserting that Mr. Pita’s nomination for the prime ministerial vote on Wednesday would be invalid due to his failure to garner sufficient support in Thursday’s vote. Mr. Prapan cited parliamentary regulation No.41, which stipulates that “any motion that is dropped cannot be resubmitted to parliament during the same parliamentary session, except for a motion that parliament has yet to vote on or a motion which is allowed by the parliament president who decides that the circumstances have changed.”
In light of these developments, the regulation also applies to the motion regarding Mr. Pita’s nomination for the vote on Thursday, clarified Mr. Prapan.
