In an electrifying turn of events on Wednesday, the Constitutional Court announced its decision to disband the Move Forward Party, finding it guilty of endangering the constitutional monarchy and compromising national security. The ruling, announced at 3 pm, sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as the court declared that the MFP’s persistent and profound campaigns aimed at amending Section 112 of the Criminal Code—better known as the lese-majeste law—constituted a severe threat to both the monarchy and the nation’s security.
The court highlighted a series of actions by the MFP, starting with their proposal to amend the controversial law on March 25, 2021, followed by vigorous campaigns leading up to the May 14, 2023 election. The party also expressed its amendment intentions through numerous political avenues and channels, according to the court’s findings.
“Their campaigns eroded the revered value of the royal institution and revealed an intent to leverage the monarchy for political gains during the general election. This not only undermined public faith in the monarchy but also posed a serious threat to national security,” the court emphasized.
In addition to dissolving the party, the court imposed a decade-long ban on the MFP executives, barring them from running in elections, forming a new political party, or being involved in any new political entity. This ban applies to executives who held positions from March 25, 2021, to January 31 this year, the period during which the violations occurred.
Pita Limjaroenrat, adviser to the MFP leader, stood alone as the party’s representative in court as the weighty verdict was delivered. Despite winning the last election on May 14, 2023, Move Forward was thwarted in forming a government, primarily due to the opposition from several unelected senators who disagreed with their stance on amending the lese-majeste law. Consequently, the runner-up Pheu Thai Party took the helm of a new coalition, excluding Move Forward from the governmental framework.
The MFP had proposed notable changes to the existing lese-majeste law, including a requirement that any royal defamation complaint be initiated by the Bureau of the Royal Household. Presently, any individual or group can file such a complaint, mandating police investigation. They further suggested reducing penalties for lese-majeste convictions.
On January 31, the Constitutional Court delivered a damning ruling, asserting that Move Forward’s ambitions to revise Section 112 were indicative of an intent to destabilize the constitutional monarchy. The court’s mandate prohibited the party from pursuing the amendment through any means outside the legislative process.
This ruling provided the Election Commission with the grounds to dissolve the party under Section 92 of the Organic Law on Political Parties, which empowers the court to disband any political entity deemed a threat to the constitutional monarchy. In its defense, Move Forward denied any wrongdoing and argued that the poll body had fundamentally erred. Although they had support from numerous legal scholars and experts willing to testify on their behalf, the court opted not to hear any oral testimonies.
Move Forward rose from the ashes of the Future Forward Party, which was itself disbanded in 2020 for accepting a loan from one of its founders. In a bold move, Future Forward had stunned political pundits by clinching over 80 seats in the previous general election. When Future Forward dissolved, its MPs rallied behind Move Forward, a party initially founded in 2014 and based in Udon Thani.
Reports suggest that all Move Forward MPs were gearing up to migrate to the relatively obscure Thinkakhao Chaovilai Party in the event of the MFP’s disbandment.
Included among the banned Move Forward executives are:
- Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader and chief adviser, list MP;
- Chaithawat Tulathon, leader and former secretary-general, list MP;
- Nathipaat Kulsettasit, party treasurer;
- Nakornpong Supanimittrakul, party member registrar;
- Padipat Santipada, former executive member, northern region;
- Somchai Fangchalachit, party executive committee, southern region;
- Amornrat Chokpamitkul, party executive committee, central region;
- Apichart Sirisunthon, executive committee member, northeastern region, list MP;
- Benja Saengchan, party executive committee, eastern region, list MP;
- Suthep U-on, party executive member, labour wing, list MP;
- Abhisit Promrit, party executive committee, northern region, list MP.
This decision sends shivers down my spine. How can a court have so much power to shut down a democratically elected party? This undermines the very essence of democracy.
But they were actively trying to amend the lese-majeste law, which is essentially untouchable. That shows a blatant disregard for national security and stability!
National security shouldn’t be an excuse to suppress political dissent. Isn’t the essence of democracy letting the people decide?
There’s a delicate balance between security and freedom. However, I think both sides took extreme positions that led to this unfortunate outcome.
I agree, but security concerns are crucial. The court must have had substantial proof that MFP’s actions were a real threat.
This whole thing seems like political maneuvering. The MFP was too popular, so the powers-that-be found a convenient excuse to get rid of them.
Exactly! Whenever a party starts gaining real traction, suddenly they become a ‘national threat’—how convenient for the old guard!
History is littered with examples of popular movements being snuffed out for such reasons. It’s a tale as old as time, unfortunately.
Finally, some action! These politicians think they can stir up chaos and get away with it. Good riddance to the MFP.
But what about the millions of people who voted for them? Shouldn’t their voices matter too?
Their voices were misguided. They weren’t thinking about the consequences of undermining the monarchy.
People always overestimate the threat. There’s a big difference between proposing an amendment and inciting chaos.
This is beyond outrageous. This isn’t a democracy anymore if we keep disbanding parties left and right.
Exactly! If we don’t fight back against this, we’re letting authoritarianism take root.
Couldn’t agree more. We need to stand up for our democratic rights before it’s too late.
But maybe keeping some order and discipline isn’t such a bad thing. Democracies aren’t supposed to be chaotic.
Honestly, how many people really care about lese-majeste laws? This was such an overblown issue.
The MFP should have been smarter about choosing their battles. Picking a fight with the monarchy was a strategic blunder.
Sometimes you have to take a stand on difficult issues to push society forward. Playing it safe isn’t always the answer.
True, but timing and strategy are key in politics. Maybe they should’ve built more support before tackling something so controversial.
That the court didn’t even hear oral testimonies from legal experts is troubling. This seems more like an act of suppression than justice.
Exactly, not letting experts testify weakens the legitimacy of their decision. Transparency is key for a functioning democracy.
Not surprising at all. Many courts around the world halt testimonies that could undermine their predetermined decisions.
This is just going to push younger generations towards more radical solutions. Suppression backfires in the long run.
I feel bad for the MPs who now have to join Thinkakhao Chaovilai Party. They worked hard and now their careers are uncertain.
It’s just another setback. Politicians have to be resilient and keep fighting for their causes.
Amending lese-majeste laws might seem radical, but maybe it’s necessary to modernize the legal system. Times are changing.
This whole scenario reflects a deeper issue about freedom of speech and the limits governments place on it. Where do we draw the line?
It’s a complex issue. Every society must decide what’s more important—the right to free speech or preserving certain traditional structures.
Is it even free speech if you’re not allowed to question powerful institutions? Real freedom means no exceptions.
The political landscape is shifting rapidly. I wonder how this will impact future elections and movements.
There’s a chilling effect now. Will other parties dare to propose any groundbreaking changes after seeing what happened to MFP?
Honestly, most people just want a stable government. Stop these party dramas and focus on running the country well.