PUBLISHED: 29 Jul 2024 at 16:54
Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy leader of the victorious Move Forward Party (MFP), stated that a significant change in Thai politics is on the horizon if she is appointed as the leader of the party’s anticipated new incarnation amid potential disbandment.
During a press conference on Monday, she emphasized that her leadership could pave the way for more female representation in politics, marking a progressive shift for Thailand.
“Thai politics will evolve, contrasting the historical dominance of male leaders,” she commented.
In response to inquiries about her future leadership role following the MFP’s video regarding its disbandment case, Ms. Sirikanya indicated, “That will depend on the party’s decision.”
She added, “If an adverse situation arises, members are prepared for transition… Regardless of the outcome, we are ready,” referencing the possibility of the party’s dissolution while noting that a new party name has not yet been determined.
As the Constitutional Court nears its ruling on the MFP’s fate, the party has rallied supporters to wear their shirts and gather at headquarters on August 7.
Progressive Movement secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul is set to give a lecture regarding the Constitutional Court’s decisions and the potential disbandment of political organizations.
Piyabutr previously served as the secretary-general of the Future Forward Party, which was dissolved and subsequently reformed into the MFP.
MFP list MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn stated that encouraging supporters to assemble at party headquarters is more effective than gathering at the court, denying any allegations that this could be seen as exerting pressure on judicial proceedings.
The Constitutional Court is anticipated to make its ruling regarding the MFP on August 7, following a petition from the Election Commission (EC) filed in March, calling for the party’s dissolution for alleged violations of Section 92 of the organic law on political parties. The court agreed to hear the petition on April 3.
This petition stems from a prior ruling on January 31, which interpreted the MFP’s advocacy for amending Section 112 of the Criminal Code—a law concerning lese majeste—as an effort to undermine the constitutional monarchy.
Additionally, the EC is seeking to bar MFP executives from participating in future elections and prevent them from joining or leading any new party for a decade.
Despite winning last year’s general election, the MFP was obstructed from assuming power by the junta-appointed Senate, leading to a government formed by the Pheu Thai Party, which finished in second place.
