Constitutional Court Disbands Move Forward Party, Bans Executives for 10 Years
In a significant ruling, the Constitutional Court has disbanded the Move Forward Party (MFP) due to its actions deemed harmful to the constitutional monarchy and national security. The court announced the decision on Wednesday, resulting in a 10-year ban for top party executives from holding any political office.
The nine judges stated that the MFP posed a severe threat by persistently campaigning for the amendment of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese-majeste law. This included a proposal made on March 25, 2021, and ongoing campaign promises leading up to the May 14, 2023 election, which demonstrated an intention to undermine the royal institution for political gain.
In its ruling, the court asserted that these actions diminished the royal institution’s value, undermined public confidence, and impacted national security significantly. The judges emphasized, “Expressions of opinion toward legal amendments posed serious threats to national security.”
Cautionary Note to Foreign Diplomats
The court also issued a reminder that foreign diplomats must respect international etiquette when expressing opinions, referencing a recent meeting with diplomats who discussed the party’s defense ahead of the ruling.
The court’s disbandment decision was unanimously approved, citing both attempts to disrupt the constitutional monarchy and actions perceived as hostility against it. Consequently, 11 executives from the MFP, including prominent figures, are barred from contesting in elections or forming new political parties for the next decade.
The executives affected include former leader Pita Limjaroenrat and current leader Chaithawat Tulathon. They, along with six sitting MPs, are immediately impacted by this ruling.
As the remaining 142 MPs face a 60-day deadline to align with a new party or be stripped of their positions, the MFP is preparing to announce its next steps.
Political Landscape Shifts
Despite winning the 2023 election, the MFP was unable to form a government due to opposition from unelected Senators against its proposals to amend the lese-majeste law. Subsequently, the Pheu Thai Party formed a coalition government without MFP’s involvement, leaving the latter in opposition.
The proposed amendments aimed to restrict who could file lese-majeste complaints, which currently allows any individual or group to initiate such actions. Approximately 270 individuals have been prosecuted under Section 112 since its revival in 2020 amid escalating protests against the previous government.
The court’s January ruling deemed MFP’s efforts to amend this law as an intention to weaken the constitutional monarchy, serving as the basis for this dissolution. The MFP maintained its innocence, asserting procedural errors in the Election Commission’s actions, but the court reaffirmed its earlier conclusions.
Future of the Dissolved Party
This dissolution marks a historic precedent, as the MFP grew out of the Future Forward Party, which faced a similar fate in 2020. Following its disbandment, MFP members are reportedly considering realigning with the lesser-known Thinkakhao Chaovilai Party.
The following executives face a 10-year ban:
- Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader and chief adviser, list MP;
- Chaithawat Tulathon, leader and former secretary-general, list MP;
- Nathipat Kulsettasit, party treasurer;
- Nakornpong Supanimittrakul, party member registrar;
- Padipat Santipada, former executive member, northern region;
- Somchai Fangchalachit, party executive committee, southern region;
- Amornrat Chokpamitkul, party executive committee, central region;
- Apichart Sirisunthon, executive committee member, northeastern region, list MP;
- Benja Saengchan, party executive committee, eastern region, list MP;
- Suthep U-on, party executive member, labour wing, list MP;
- Abhisit Promrit, party executive committee, northern region, list MP.
