Thailand’s Move Forward Party dissolved for proposing anti-monarchy measures
A court in Thailand dissolved the Move Forward Party for proposing an amendment to a law protecting the monarchy from criticism. Despite winning the most seats in the 2023 election, the party failed to form a government due to the Senate refusing to endorse their prime minister candidate. The party executives, including former leader Pita Limjaroenrat, received a 10-year political activity ban.
The court accused Move Forward of improperly using the monarchy for election advantage, risking conflict with the people. The party’s 143 lawmakers will keep their seats and are expected to regroup under a new party, similar to their predecessor in 2020.
Critics, including Amnesty International, labeled the ruling as an attack on political opposition, while loyalists at Move Forward’s headquarters expressed disappointment. The decision highlights the challenges facing Thailand’s democratic institutions in the face of stringent anti-monarchy laws.
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