Thailand's Move Forward Party Dissolved: The Ongoing Clash Between Democracy and Monarchy | WPN World People News

During last year's election period, the Move Forward Party advocated for amending Section 112 of the Penal Code, known as the "Lèse-Majesté Law." The Thai Constitutional Court ruled that this caused a rift between the public and the monarchy, threatening national security. In January of this year, the court decided that such actions violated Article 49 of the Constitution and ordered that any further proposals to amend Section 112 should not be made. Subsequently, the Election Commission requested the Constitutional Court to dissolve the Move Forward Party under Section 92 of the Political Parties Act. On the 7th of this month, the Constitutional Court ruled to dissolve the Move Forward Party. Additionally, 11 senior members of the party, including Pita Limjaroenrat, who nearly became Prime Minister, have been banned from participating in politics for 10 years. In the May elections last year, the Move Forward Party won 151 of the 500 parliamentary seats, making it the largest party in the legislature.

Pita expressed disappointment at a press conference and urged the public to use the next election to effect change. The 143 legislators who are not affected by the political ban are expected to form a new party on the 10th, with the political agenda of the Move Forward Party "moving forward in another vehicle." Sirikanya Tansakul, the deputy leader of the Move Forward Party, stated that the new party will remain the largest in parliament and continue the same core principles as the Move Forward Party. "As long as the people stand with us and support our efforts to change this country, we will continue to move forward."

Chaithawat Tulathon, the leader of the Move Forward Party, condemned this interpretation of the Constitution as setting a dangerous precedent. Both the United States and the European Union have expressed that this move is inconsistent with democratic principles and deprives the Thai people who support the party of their rights. They also urged the Thai government to ensure inclusive political participation and freedom of speech.