Move Forward Party deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun addressed a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Bangkok on Wednesday evening following the court-ordered dissolution of the party earlier that day. Flanking her were now-banned party executives: Chaithawat Tulathon (left), chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat (second from left), and Amarat Chokepamitkul (right), as shown in an image from the Move Forward YouTube channel.
Despite the shocking dissolution, MPs from the disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP) will find refuge in their “new home” come Friday, according to Sirikanya Tansakun, who is anticipated to spearhead this nascent political entity. Intriguingly, Ms. Sirikanya isn’t among the 11 party executives who were handed a 10-year political ban by the Constitutional Court on Wednesday.
During the news conference, held at the party’s headquarters in the Hua Mak district of Bangkok, Sirikanya joined her fellow executives to deliberate on the court’s ruling and lay out their roadmap for the future. Unfazed by the setback, Ms. Sirikanya confidently stated that all 142 remaining MPs of the main opposition party would transition seamlessly into their new political abode.
Meanwhile, chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat exuded optimism as he endeavored to console distraught supporters. “I will continue in politics as a citizen,” he reassured amidst his banishment. “I’m not going anywhere. I know that you might feel disappointed or angry … but we won’t let that eat you up. We’ll return on the next ballot.”
Mr. Pita was emphatic that the party never antagonized the constitutional monarchy, contradicting a point raised in the court ruling. He emphasized that lawmakers would form a new party within the week. “We have no intention of treason, insurrection, or separating the monarchy from the country,” he clarified.
Speaking to the press, Leader Chaithawat Tulathon, who also faces a political ban, remarked that the court’s decision had set a perilous precedent for constitutional interpretation.
Pannika Wanich, a former Future Forward MP and spokesperson for the Progressive Movement, weighed in with a powerful rebuttal: “They (the judges) don’t realize that the people who have the power to make these decisions are not them. They don’t realize that the people have the ultimate power in this country.”
This is an absolute travesty. How can the Constitutional Court dissolve a party that represents the people’s voice?
The court must have had valid reasons. We need to trust the legal system.
Valid reasons? Or just political manipulation? This undermines democracy!
Exactly, Jane. It’s clearly an attack on opposition voices.
Sirikanya Tansakun stepping up is commendable. She’s showing true leadership in a crisis.
But aren’t we ignoring the fact that she wasn’t banned? Convenient much?
This isn’t the first time the judiciary has meddled with politics in Thailand. Does anyone see a pattern here?
Absolutely. This is reminiscent of the disbanding of the Future Forward Party in 2020.
You can’t compare the two. Completely different situations.
Leslie, the principle is the same: silencing opposition through legal loopholes.
David, spot on. It’s a recurring theme.
So ready for the next election to support the newly formed party. This setback has only made us stronger.
Why does Pita keep saying they didn’t antagonize the monarchy? Clearly, they did something wrong.
RogueMorales, it’s called defending themselves. They are being unfairly targeted.
Pita has always been respectful. This is political persecution, plain and simple.
Pannika Wanich is right. The people should have more say than a few judges.
That’s dangerous thinking. The rule of law has to prevail.
Guy, sometimes laws themselves can be unjust. Change is necessary.
Elizabeth, exactly. Laws should serve the people, not suppress them.
They’re just sore losers. Move Forward Party broke the law and is facing the consequences.
Alan, you can’t be serious. The court’s actions are politically motivated.
It’s hard to say for certain. More transparency is needed.
I’m worried about what this means for the future of democracy in Thailand.
Exactly, Rosie. This sets a dangerous precedent.
It’s not that dramatic. Thailand has been through worse and come out stronger.
The international community should step in and condemn this action.
Patel, international meddling often worsens things. Let Thailand handle its own affairs.
International pressure can sometimes lead to positive change. Look at historical precedents.
Is it just me or does this dissolve pave the way for authoritarian rule?
Jerry, it certainly feels like it. Very concerning.
Glad someone else sees it. People need to wake up.
Pita’s speech was so inspiring. Even in exile, he’s a leader.
This whole situation stinks of corruption and collusion.
Leaders have become martyrs. This kind of political repression can’t go unchallenged.
How can they expect stability when they keep dissolving major parties? Madness.
It’s more about consolidating power than stability.