All Members of Parliament from the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) are looking to take a leap to the relatively unknown Thinkakhao Chaovilai Party if the Constitutional Court decides to dissolve Move Forward next week, according to insider information emerging from MFP. This impending decision stems from accusations that Move Forward violated Section 92 of the organic law on political parties, a complaint first lodged by the Election Commission (EC) back in March.
The EC’s case hinges on a prior court ruling from January 31, which stated that the party’s initiatives to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly referred to as the lese-majeste law, showed a clear intent to destabilize the constitutional monarchy. Alongside pushing for the party’s dissolution, the EC has also petitioned the court to bar its executives from participating in future elections and prevent them from registering or acting as executives for any new party for a decade.
An undisclosed source mentioned that a pact had already been established with the Thinkakhao Chaovilai Party, which might undergo a name change in the future. Thinkakhao Chaovilai has been officially registered with the EC for several years, boasting a membership count of 10,474 according to the most recent data available on the EC website. Led by Tul Tintamora, with Alisa Sattayawirut as the deputy leader, the party’s current leadership took their positions on April 5 this year. Their headquarters is nestled within a housing estate in the Thawi Watthana district of Bangkok.
In the 2023 general election, Thinkakhao Chaovilai fielded 13 candidates, although they failed to secure any parliamentary seats. However, things could soon change as Sirikanya Tansakun, the deputy leader of Move Forward, is poised to become the new leader of the MPs rallying under the Thinkakhao Chaovilai banner. The source further speculated that several MPs would then climb the ranks to serve as the new party’s leadership.
If Move Forward faces dissolution, at least 10 party officials, including the prominent chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat and the party leader Chaithawat Tulathon, risk a decade-long exile from the political arena, the source revealed. This scenario echoes the fate of Move Forward’s predecessor, the Future Forward Party, which was disbanded by the court in 2020. Following that dissolution, many members switched sides to parties that starkly opposed the principles of Future Forward. However, their opportunistic defection led to electoral losses in the subsequent general election of the previous year, interpreted by political commentators as voters’ backlash against their betrayal.
This time around, Move Forward MPs are committed to not repeating past blunders. Despite a few clandestine discussions with their political adversaries, these MPs are unwilling to switch allegiances to any parties within the ruling coalition, the source emphasized. The intention is to remain united under the, albeit obscure, banner of Thinkakhao Chaovilai and uphold the values that their constituents trust in and support.
But will this calculated maneuver pay off, or will it be another misstep in the intricate game of politics? Only time will tell if this audacious move to Thinkakhao Chaovilai will preserve the legacy and momentum of Move Forward.
This feels like a desperate move. Jumping to a relatively unknown party like Thinkakhao Chaovilai just shows how shaky their political standing is.
You could see it that way, but it’s a smart strategy to keep their MPs active and their ideas alive. Better than scattering to the winds like last time.
Perhaps, but I doubt many people will follow them to Thinkakhao Chaovilai. That party’s credibility is questionable at best.
Samantha J., don’t underestimate the power of unity and branding. If they stick together, it could work.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. It’s either this or political extinction.
It’s a shame that the EC is so blatantly political. Dissolving Move Forward just because they challenge the status quo is a travesty.
Is it really? The lese-majeste law is crucial to our national identity. Any party challenging it is asking for trouble.
Grower134, that’s an antiquated viewpoint. Progressive countries need to allow open dialogue about all issues, including the monarchy.
Exactly, Emily. Silencing opposition like this only stifles progress and weakens democracy.
Thinkakhao Chaovilai might just be the new Future Forward. This could be the beginning of something big.
Or it could be the beginning of the end. Without a strong foundation, this move could flop just like Future Forward did.
Future Forward had its pitfalls, but it showed that there’s a hunger for change. Thinkakhao Chaovilai might pivot better with lessons learned.
Hope over experience—typical of political optimism. They need more than just a new banner; they need a solid strategy.
I have no faith in these groups. It’s like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Thai politics need a complete overhaul.
That kind of pessimism won’t help. Grassroots movements are the foundation of lasting change.
I wonder if Pita Limjaroenrat will survive politically. He’s taken too many blows already.
He’s resilient. Political figures like him don’t just disappear. Even if disbanded, he’ll be a force from the sidelines.
Agreed. Leaders with a strong following tend to find ways to remain influential.
Thinkakhao Chaovilai didn’t win a single seat before. How can they be taken seriously now?
Sophia, political tides can change. With the right MPs and policies, they can gain traction.
The EC is corrupt! They’re just puppets of the ruling coalition trying to squash dissent.
Calm down, not everything is a conspiracy. There are laws and rules for a reason.
Sure, if you believe the system isn’t rigged. But the truth is, they’ll do anything to keep power.
Skepticism is healthy, but too much of it can be paralysing. We must focus on constructive criticism.
Yes, exactly! Constructive dialogue is how we move forward, not just suspicion and anger.
The Move Forward Party should’ve seen this coming. The establishment will always push back against radical change.
Will voters actually support them under a new party name? Doubtful. Thai voters have long memories.
It’s sad to see promising leaders get barred from politics just because they pushed for change. This is not democracy.
Democracy has rules, and they broke them. It’s not safe to allow any party to make sweeping changes without due process.
True, but laws need to evolve too. Change is necessary for progress and a healthy democracy.
What about the followers of the Move Forward Party? Will they just sit back and accept this?
Highly doubtful. The younger generation is particularly active and won’t just let this slide.
This story is crazy! Politics is like a never-ending drama series, and it just got a plot twist!
What happens if Thinkakhao Chaovilai also faces backlash? You can’t keep jumping from party to party.