Thailand’s main opposition party, formerly known as Move Forward Party (MFP), has relaunched as “Prachachon” or “People’s Party” with a new leader, tech entrepreneur Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, following a Constitutional Court decision to disband it. The party aims to bring about governmental change in the 2027 elections.
Royal Insult Law Controversy
This is the third iteration of the party, initially founded as Future Forward. Disbanded over campaign finance violations in 2020, it now faces allegations related to proposals to amend strict lese-majeste laws criticizing the Thai royal family. Despite dropping the proposal, the party was accused of undermining the state.
International Outcry
Natthaphong, a survivor of the ban along with 142 other lawmakers, expressed defiance towards the strict laws. Former party leader Pita Limjaroenrat was banned for 10 years. The international community criticized the court’s decision as regressive for democratic freedoms in Thailand.
Source: AFP, Reuters