The Constitutional Court has agreed to give Move Forward and its leader Pita Limjaroenrat another 30 days to submit documents in defence of an allegation that their proposal to amend the lèse majesté law amounts to an attempt to overthrow the country’s democratic system with the King as head of state.
Court president Worawit Kangsasitiam said today (Saturday) that the party had asked for an extension of the 15 days granted by the court, claiming that there are many documents which they need more time to collect.
He explained that the court’s agreement to extend the period for the submission of documents is normal and it does not amount to a privilege.
He also said that the law does not specify how many extensions the court can grant and it can exercise its discretion when deciding whether the extension applied for is intended to delay the case.
Worawit further explained that, if it can be proved that the Move Forward party or its leader exercised their freedoms in an attempt to topple the democratic system, as charged, the Constitutional Court can, at the least, order them to cease such activities.
He said that the court is not authorised to dissolve the party in these circumstances, adding that dissolution of a party must be decided upon by the Election Commission and then forwarded to the court for finalization.
