MFP faces potential dissolution amid court ruling

Move Forward Party (MFP) remains resolute in its mission to promote progressive policies, regardless of the impending Constitutional Court ruling that could lead to its dissolution next week, according to spokesperson Parit Wacharasindhu.

Parit announced that party leader Chaithawat Tulathon and chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat will present statements on Friday summarising the legal arguments submitted to the court. The court is set to deliver its ruling at 3pm on Monday, August 5.

Despite the looming judgment, the party continues its legislative duties, advocating for laws and scrutinising the government’s actions in the House of Representatives. At the local level, the party is active in various initiatives, including the election of the Ratchaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation chairperson, said Parit.

“I insist what we have done is not an attempt to overthrow the democratic system with the king as the head of state. We will clarify the direction of our party once again on Friday and respond to any questions.”

The Constitutional Court will determine whether the MFP violated Section 92 of the organic law on political parties, following a complaint by the Election Commission (EC) in March. The complaint referenced the court’s January 31 ruling, which suggested the party’s efforts to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code (the lese majeste law) indicated an intent to undermine the constitutional monarchy.

Additionally, the EC has requested the court to ban the party’s executives from participating in future elections and prevent them from serving as executives of any new party for a decade.

Rangsiman Rome expressed concerns about the ease with which political parties can be dissolved, despite their popular support. He highlighted the party’s origins, noting it emerged from the dissolved Future Forward Party, which faced disbandment in 2020 for accepting a loan from one of its founders. Surprisingly, the party had secured over 80 seats in the general election the previous year.

Dissolution

The MFP achieved the highest number of votes and seats in the 2023 election but failed to form a government due to opposition from the military-appointed Senate, which has recently concluded its term.

“The dissolution of the party should be decided by the public. The use of the judicial process for this should be obsolete by now. The public should decide which policies or what kind of political parties they want or do not want.”

Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, Secretary-General of the Progressive Movement, criticised the media and analysts for focusing on who would lead the MFP or its potential successor if dissolved. He pointed out the lack of attention to the court, the EC, legal battles, or the legitimacy of the party’s potential dissolution.

“This shows how few people, if anyone at all, really care about the law or legal principles anymore when it comes to dissolving a party.”

Piyabutr argued that the dissolution of political parties in Thailand has become a legal tool to eliminate opposition to the established order, reported Bangkok Post.