The Move Forward party was dissolved by the Constitutional Court on August 7th, for attempting to overthrow the constitutional monarchy through their campaign to amend Thailand’s controversial lèse majesté law. The verdict marked the end of Thailand’s most progressive party to date, which won the most seats in the House in the 2023 general election.
-Untouchable-
The now-defunct Move Forward party had proposed amendments to the controversial lèse majesté law, formally Section 112 of the country’s Penal Code, because they felt that the law is too often used as a political weapon to suppress those with opposing views, most notably during political demonstrations in 2020, when many anti-establishment protesters were charged under this law.
Khemthong Tonsakulrungruang, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, commented that the court’s verdict clearly implies that the law is untouchable, even if parties lawfully campaign for change in a legitimate election.
“It seems like the Constitutional Court is implying that you can only amend it to make it more severe, not less,” Khemthong commented.
Dr. Titipol Phakdeewanich, a political scientist at Ubon Ratchathani University feels the same way, stating that the court’s verdict leaves no room for discussion of amendments.
“I think it almost closed the door on discussion, which is very dangerous for Thailand because, when we talk about any law or policy, we should be able to discuss it openly,” he said.
As to whether the law can still be debated, Associate Professor Dr. Jade Donavanik, of the College of Asian Scholars, believes that it can, but only if it is in a formal parliamentary session and as long as they discuss the law with reverence and respect for the monarchy. He also feels that the remaining Move Forward MPs will have to be much more careful, if they are going to continue to push the same ideologies.
“If it's a formal parliamentary session or process, then that's fine. You can advise or propose that parliament amend Section112, but it must be done properly. It must be legitimate and must not (attempt to) overturn, overthrow or undermine democracy under a constitutional monarchy, as it must not undermine the relationship between the King and the people,” Dr. Jade explains.
Nevertheless, Pita Limjaroenrat told Thai PBS World, the day after the party’s dissolution, that he believes that it is stillpossible for the law to be discussed, but with extreme caution.
“But there’s a line that has been drawn between the legislative and the judicial branches (of the government). I think we should view this with consideration and care. We definitely have to be aware that the underlying problem persists between the monarchy and the people.”
-Political future-
Reviewing how the Move Forward party laid out its nine-point defence in court, Khemthong feels that they were not trying to defend their election campaign, but to point to foundational flaws, in terms of the Constitutional Court’s jurisdiction and the Election Commission’s complaint to the Court.
“What they did was a very legalistic approach to the case,” Khemthong explains. “They did not touch on the lèse majesté law, or why the law should be amended. Instead, they claimed that the Election Commission’s procedures were wrong and that the Court needs a much higher standard of proof.”
Referring to the court’s ruling, Dr. Titipol said, “I think they didn't learn because, in the past, with the (predecessors of the) Pheu Thai party, this kind of action only helped the party to become bigger and increase in popularity.”
Since the dissolution order, the remaining Move Forward party MPs have joined the People’s party, under the leadership of Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut. With the apparent reincarnation of the defunct Move Forward party, Dr. Titipol believes that it will be a bumpy road ahead for them.
The political science expert raised another challenge, orpossible opportunity, in regaining support from the younger generation – by proposing reform of the military, “because, in Thailand, the military tries to control the political system.”
“Reform of the military system in Thailand was one of the most attractive campaigns by the Move Forward party. I think, if they make a move on this, they would actually gain significant support from the younger generation,” Dr. Titipol concluded.
By Nad Bunnag, Thai PBS World
