The opposition Move Forward party is facing a challenging situation in the Constitutional Court, but will strongly oppose the party's potential dissolution for allegedly trying to undermine the Constitutional Monarchy, according to party leader Chaithawat Tulathon today.
He expressed a hope for the court to conduct an investigation and allow the party to present evidence and witnesses to demonstrate that they do not intend to undermine the Constitutional Monarchy with their activities and proposed changes to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lèse majesté law.
Chaithawat stated that dissolving the party would not resolve political issues but could worsen political conflicts. He also cautioned against involving the Monarchy in political conflicts, emphasizing the sensitivity of the issue and the need for careful handling.
He added that it's premature to discuss finding a “reserve” party in case Move Forward is dissolved, and indicated that their focus will be on defending themselves in court.
The Election Commission (EC) unanimously decided to request the Move Forward party's dissolution with the Constitution Court after carefully considering the Constitutional Court’s ruling on January 31, which found sufficient evidence indicating the party's attempt to undermine the country’s Constitutional Monarchy.
Meanwhile, EC Chairman Itthiporn Boonpracong dismissed an allegation that the EC may have received an instruction to seek the party’s dissolution.
Referring to Section 92 of the Political Parties Act, he mentioned that the EC also has the authority to petition the Charter Court to bar the party’s executive members from politics for up to 10 years.
