The Constitutional Court in Thailand has ordered the dissolution of the Progressive Party 'Move Forward', which won national elections in 2023 but remained in opposition after it was not allowed to elect a prime minister. The court says that this party violated the constitution by proposing to change the law that prohibits criticism of the country's royal family. The US government today (Wednesday) expressed its dismay at the decision, saying it runs counter to the aspirations of the Thai people for a democratic future.
“The Constitutional Court unanimously decided to dissolve the 'Ecni Përpara' party, in accordance with the constitutional regulations…”
This court decision shocked supporters of the opposition party after its efforts to change the law that does not allow criticism of the royal family.
Six months ago, this court blocked an initiative to change the law, calling it unconstitutional. Today's decision splits the party that led efforts to change the law on insulting the royal family. Wednesday's decision also bans the party's top leaders from political activity for a decade.
“I am proud of what my colleagues and I have managed to do. I have no regrets about the way I did my job. I will make sure to pass the baton to the next generation of leaders.” said former party chairman Pita Limjaroenrat.
He vowed to continue his commitment to reform, but not as a politician, while announcing that colleagues from the disbanded party will establish a new party in a few days.
The dissolution of the opposition party, which won a majority in the 2023 election, is a setback for Thailand's main parties that have been embroiled in a two-decade power battle. This battle is being waged against a coalition of influential conservatives, families who have amassed wealth for generations (old money families?) and the military that supports the royal family.
Party supporters were seen with tears in their eyes as they watched the television screen at party headquarters where members of the Constitutional Court were seen delivering the verdict.
“Today I came to support the 'Move Forward' Party. I don't know what to say to the Constitutional Court. I am speechless”, said Therameet Jaiyabood, one of the supporters of the opposition party.
“We have reached a hopeless situation. As if we have no support,” says Sirinapa Veillet, voter of the 'Ecni Përpara' party.
The Move Forward party was unable to form a government after winning elections last year because members of the Senate, then a conservative body appointed by the military, refused to back its candidate for prime minister.
“The United States is deeply concerned by the decision of the Constitutional Court of Thailand…”, State Department spokesman Mathew Miller said in a statement.
“The Constitutional Court's decision jeopardizes Thailand's democratic progress and runs counter to the aspirations of the Thai people for a democratic future,” Mr. Miller's affidavit states, among other things.
MPs from the 'Ecni Përpara' party can retain their mandate if they decide to join another parliamentary group, with the exception of five MPs who are on the list of politicians banned from political activity by the Court.
