Thailand’s Constitutional Court has made a decisive ruling to dissolve the progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) due to its pledge to amend the country’s lese-majeste law, which prohibits criticism of the royal family. The court also banned the party’s executive board, including former leader Pita Limjaroenrat, for 10 years.
Pita, who gained popularity among young and urban voters, had aimed to reform the strict royal defamation law, seen as a tool to suppress pro-democracy groups. However, his aspirations to become prime minister were thwarted by conservative forces, and the Election Commission ultimately sought the party’s dissolution.
While the court’s decision is likely to anger MFP supporters, the impact is expected to be minimal, as only 11 executives are banned from political activity for a decade. The majority of MFP lawmakers will retain their seats and are anticipated to reorganize under a new party, similar to what happened when the Future Forward Party was dissolved in 2020.
The ruling signifies a setback for progressive forces in Thailand, but it remains to be seen how MFP supporters and lawmakers will respond to the dissolution. This development underscores the ongoing political tensions and challenges faced by those advocating for reform in the country.
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