Constitutional Court dissolves Thai Raksa Chart party and bans party members
The Thai Constitutional Court has ordered the dissolution of Thai Raksa Chart Party for naming Prince Ubolratana, a member of the Royal Family, as its prime ministerial candidate. The Court claims this action undermined Thailand’s constitutional monarchy.
The court has also banned all 14 members of the party’s executive board from politics for 10 years in a stunning decision that will profoundly reshape the March 24 election campaign.
The Court has determined that the 14 members will not be allowed to play any part in forming a new party during this period.
Despite relinquishing her royal status in 1972, Princess Ubolratana, His Majesty the King’s older sister, continues work as a member of the Royal Family, attending royal ceremonies as well as representing the monarchy. Hence, the court said, the princess is an insuperable part of the institution.
Submitting her name as a candidate for the premier’s post undermines the “above politics” status of the monarchy, the court said.
The court added that the party has committed an act that could be seen as damaging to the crown.
Thai Raksa Chart is seen as a key political ally of the Pheu Thai party and former fugitive PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
SOURCE: The Nation
