The opposition Move Forward party is facing a tough case in the Constitutional Court, but will fight to the fullest to prevent the party from being dissolved for allegedly attempting to overthrow the Constitutional Monarchy, said party leader Chaithawat Tulathon today.
He said that he hopes the court will hold an enquiry and give the party an opportunity to present evidence and witnesses to prove that they have no intention to overthrow Constitutional Monarchy with its campaign and proposed amendments of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lèse majesté law.
Chaithawat said that dissolving the party would not solve political problems, but may lead to the escalation of political conflict. He also warned against involving the Monarchy in political conflict, saying that this is a very sensitive issue and should be treated with caution.
He went on to say said that it is too soon to talk about finding a “reserve” party, in case Move Forward is dissolved, adding that they will concentrate on defending itself in court.
The Election Commission (EC) decided unanimously to seek the Move Forward party’s dissolution with the Constitution Court, after carefully considering the Constitutional Court’s ruling on January 31, finding sufficient evidence to indicate that the party attempted to overthrow the country’s Constitutional Monarchy.
Meanwhile, EC Chairman Itthiporn Boonpracong refuted an allegation that the EC might have received an instruction from “someone” to seek the party’s dissolution.
Citing Section 92 of the Political Parties Act, he said that the EC can also ask the Charter Court to ban the party’s executive members from politics for up to 10 years.
