Despite potential court challenges, a separate case could result in bans for 44 prominent party members.
Pita Limjaroenrat, chief adviser to the Move Forward Party, remains optimistic about the party’s future amidst ongoing legal battles. However, he cautions that a parallel investigation could severely impact the main opposition party.
Having led Move Forward to a significant electoral victory last year but subsequently blocked from assuming power by military-backed senators, Mr. Pita asserts that the conservative establishment is again exerting pressure to suppress popular electoral candidates.
“This marks the fifth relentless cycle in the past two decades. It highlights how the conservative elites maneuver to undermine elected representatives,” he stated during a recent parliamentary interview, amidst the clamor of political discourse.
The political landscape in Thailand reflects a two-decade struggle between conservative forces, bolstered by the military, and reform-minded political entities like Move Forward.
This January, the Constitutional Court ruled against Move Forward’s initiative to amend the lese-majeste law—which shields the monarchy from criticism—citing it as a veiled attempt to weaken the monarchy and effectively halting the party’s campaign.
Currently, Move Forward faces the possibility of dissolution by the same court over these legal matters, a decision anticipated on August 7.
Move Forward has firmly rejected any misconduct allegations, contending that the Election Commission fundamentally erred. The party has rallied support from various legal experts but has faced a court unwilling to consider oral arguments.
“We identified significant flaws in the Election Commission’s complaint process,” stated Mr. Pita, reiterating points previously articulated to the court in writing.
Proceedings in this case have been shrouded in secrecy, with written submissions being the only form of communication permitted.
“I maintain faith in judicial fairness and consistency,” he argued, referencing a similar complaint from over a decade ago that was ultimately dismissed.
Recent polls position Mr. Pita as the favored choice for prime minister at 46%, with the current premier, Srettha Thavisin, garnering only 13% support from respondents.
‘Vicious Cycle’
The 43-year-old Harvard-educated leader also confronts another significant hurdle from a complaint filed by conservative activists with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
While the commission has remained quiet regarding the timing of any court referral, the case could impose lifetime political bans on 44 current and former lawmakers accused of ethical breaches related to a proposal to amend royal defamation laws, which are among the strictest globally.
“If we are deemed ‘immoral’ in our political conduct, we could face lifetime bans,” Mr. Pita emphasized. “There are no alternative penalties.”
This situation could drastically undermine the progressive movement, which has garnered widespread national backing for its reforms, including the abolition of military conscription and the dismantling of monopolistic business practices.
“This would effectively dissolve opposition within Thai democracy,” Mr. Pita added.
Over the last two decades, four political parties in Thailand, including those associated with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, have faced dissolution.
The latest dissolution involved Move Forward’s precursor, Future Forward, which was disbanded in 2020, leading to a ten-year political ban for 16 senior members due to financial misconduct linked to party leadership.
“It’s time to break this vicious cycle,” proclaimed Mr. Pita. “We aim to show both the establishment and the global community that dissolving parties is an ineffective strategy.”
Should Move Forward navigate these challenges successfully, the party plans to advance its legislative agenda, which includes a proposed law aimed at revitalizing the $8.6 billion alcohol industry, currently dominated by a few key players.
Mr. Pita asserted, “Our goal is to eliminate monopolistic practices in the liquor sector, benefiting local farmers while allowing existing industry leaders to maintain their market presence.”
“We aim to demonstrate that the Thai economy is beneficial for the 99%, not just the 1%.”
