The Constitutional Court is gearing up for a critical moment as it prepares to read its ruling in the Move Forward Party dissolution case this Wednesday at 3 PM. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, addressing the nation on Tuesday, made it abundantly clear that the government will remain uninvolved in the judicial process. “The executive branch is in no position to interfere with the justice process,” Mr. Srettha emphasized. “We will not allow other countries to do so either. Thailand’s judicial process is independent and aligns with international standards.”
Mr. Srettha also mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold a press conference on Wednesday to elaborate on the government’s stance post-ruling.
This statement comes on the heels of a significant controversy involving Pita Limjaroenrat, the chief adviser to Move Forward, who met with diplomats from 18 nations. Adding fuel to the fire, Mr. Pita was also invited to pen a special opinion piece this week in The Economist concerning the case. This international attention has sparked warnings from Democrat Party member Rachada Dhnadirek, who cautioned diplomats that their comments could be interpreted as meddling in Thailand’s internal judicial process.
Move Forward’s spokesperson, Parit Wacharasindhu, defended Mr. Pita, stating that the diplomats’ invitation was purely hospitable and did not include any public statements that could be construed as interference. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai echoed this sentiment, asserting that such meetings are a standard part of diplomatic engagements.
Thailand has become increasingly sensitive to global perceptions of its political proceedings, especially as it seeks a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025-27 term. Decisions on this matter are expected later this year. Back in April, two UN special rapporteurs, Irene Khan and Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, expressed their concerns regarding the Move Forward case.
To address these concerns, Thai Ambassador to the UN, Usana Berananda, sent a letter in early August clarifying the legal basis for the Election Commission’s (EC) petition to dissolve Move Forward. “The Thai Constitutional Court is independent and represents one of the pillars of democracy founded on checks and balances,” she wrote, emphasizing that the decision would be rooted in established law and the constitution. She also reiterated Thailand’s commitment under international obligations to protect human rights and ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Ras Chalee Chan, a vice-minister for foreign affairs, reiterated Tuesday that the government has no involvement in the case and cannot influence the court’s decision.
Political analysts widely predict that Move Forward, which garnered the most votes in last year’s election, is facing dissolution. However, key party figures have plans to regroup under a different banner if this occurs. They are confident that their MPs will not join other existing parties within the government coalition. This contrasts with the dissolution of the predecessor party, Future Forward, in 2020, when several members aligned with established parties in the military-linked government but failed to secure re-election in 2023.
The Constitutional Court’s ruling on January 31 deemed that Move Forward’s attempts to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law, indicated an intention to undermine the constitutional monarchy. Based on this ruling, the court directed Move Forward to cease all efforts to rewrite Section 112 and barred them from pursuing amendments through any non-legislative routes.
This previous ruling laid the foundation for the EC’s petition to dissolve the party, citing violations of Section 92 of the organic law on political parties. This section allows the court to dissolve any party that endangers the constitutional monarchy. The poll agency also requested the court to revoke the rights of party executives to run for election, preventing them from serving as executives of a new party for a decade, per Sections 92 and 94 of the law.
The Move Forward Party has invited the public to its headquarters in the Future Forward Building at Ramkhamhaeng Soi 42 in Hua Mak district on Wednesday. The event will start at 1 PM with speakers and discussions, followed by a live stream of the court’s decision at 3 PM.
Commentary: Will Move Forward be stopped for good?
Join us tomorrow at 1 PM at the Move Forward headquarters for activities and to hear the court’s ruling live. Follow the event on our official Twitter account: Move Forward Party (@MFPThailand)
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