Thailand’s Constitutional Court has announced that it will rule on whether to dissolve the Move Forward party, which won the most seats in the country’s last election. The party is accused of violating the constitution by proposing to amend a law that protects the royal family from defamation. The court accepted a petition from the state Election Commission and instructed the party to submit evidence within 15 days. The petition calls for the party’s dissolution and a 10-year ban on its executives from political activity. This move is part of a larger effort by conservative forces to maintain power and stifle the progressive movement in the country.
The Move Forward party’s predecessor, the Future Forward party, was dissolved in 2020 for violating election laws. This dissolution sparked youth-led pro-democracy protests across Thailand, pushing the boundaries of political discourse by openly criticizing the monarchy. Move Forward had campaigned to amend the law against defaming the royal family, leading to intense scrutiny and legal challenges. Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon stated that the party is preparing to defend itself and prove its innocence. The court’s verdict is expected in the coming weeks, and the party plans to hold a news conference to explain its position.
In January, the Constitutional Court ruled that Move Forward must stop advocating changes to the law that protects the monarchy from criticism. Known as Article 112, this law imposes severe penalties for defaming the monarchy, including up to 15 years in jail per offense. Although the ruling did not impose any punishment on the party, it signaled continued pressure on progressive political movements in Thailand. Move Forward faced additional legal challenges following its election victory, including the suspension of its former leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, from Parliament for alleged violations of election laws.
Thailand’s courts, particularly the Constitutional Court, are viewed as aligned with the traditional royalist establishment. These institutions have been used to suppress political opponents and hinder democratic reforms. Despite winning the most seats in the 2023 general election and campaigning for democratic changes, Move Forward was blocked from forming a government by the military-installed Senate. Senators opposed Pita’s selection as prime minister due to his plans to reform the monarchy. This ongoing struggle highlights the deep-seated divisions in Thai society and the challenges faced by progressive movements in the country.
The legal battle against Move Forward underscores the broader crackdown on dissent and political opposition in Thailand. Progressive groups and activists have faced increasing pressure from the government and conservative forces. The youth-led pro-democracy protests that erupted in 2020 signaled a growing demand for change and reform in the country. However, the entrenched traditional powers have resisted these efforts, using legal mechanisms to stifle dissent and prevent political change. The outcome of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the Move Forward party will have significant implications for the future of progressive politics in Thailand and the broader struggle for democracy in the country.
