PM Srettha vows no interference in MFP court ruling

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that the government will refrain from interfering with the judicial process regarding the potential dissolution of the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP). The Constitutional Court is scheduled to rule on the matter today, August 7.

“The executive branch is in no position to interfere with the justice process. We will not allow other countries to do so, either. Thailand’s judicial process is independent and aligns with international standards.”

He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will clarify the government’s stance in a press conference today.

This statement came in response to a meeting between Pita Limjaroenrat, chief adviser to the MFP, and diplomats from 18 countries. Pita was also invited to write a special opinion piece in The Economist regarding the case.

Democrat Party member Rachada Dhnadirek had cautioned the diplomats that their comments on the case could be perceived as interference in the judicial process.

MFP spokesperson Parit Wacharasindhu clarified that the diplomats invited Pita and have not made any public statements that could be seen as attempts to interfere in Thailand’s internal affairs.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed no concern over the event, stating that meetings with politicians from all sides are routine and part of diplomats’ duties.

The government is particularly sensitive to foreign perceptions of how political cases are managed as Thailand seeks a seat on the UN Human Rights Council from 2025 to 2027, with a decision expected later this year.

UN comment

In April, two UN special rapporteurs, Irene Khan (freedom of opinion and expression) and Clement Nyaletsossi Voule (peaceful assembly and association), issued a statement expressing concern over the MFP case.

Thai ambassador to the UN, Usana Berananda, responded on August 2 with a letter outlining the legal basis for the Election Commission’s (EC) petition to dissolve the party.

“The Thai Constitutional Court is independent and represents one of the pillars of democracy founded on checks and balances. The decision will be made following established law and the constitution.

“As a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Thailand reiterates its commitments under its international obligations to protect human rights and assure its citizens enjoy their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”

Ras Chalee Chan, a Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, reiterated that the government has no involvement in the case and cannot influence the court’s decision.

Political analysts widely predict that the MFP, which secured the most votes and seats in last year’s election, will be dissolved.

Party leaders have stated that if a dissolution order is issued, they are prepared to regroup under a new party banner. They do not foresee any MPs joining existing parties within the government coalition. When the predecessor party Future Forward was dissolved in 2020, several members joined established parties in the military-linked government. None of them won re-election in 2023.

On January 31, the Constitutional Court ruled that the MFP’s efforts to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law, indicated an intention to undermine the constitutional monarchy.

That ruling also instructed the party to cease all attempts to rewrite Section 112 and prohibited it from amending the section through any non-legislative process.

This ruling provided the basis for the EC to seek the party’s dissolution for allegedly violating Section 92 of the organic law on political parties. This section authorises the court to dissolve any party posing a threat to the constitutional monarchy.

The EC also requested the court to revoke the rights of party executives to stand for election and to prohibit anyone who loses those rights from registering or serving as executives of a new party for 10 years, under Sections 92 and 94 of the law, reported Bangkok Post.

The MFP has invited the public to its headquarters in the Future Forward Building in Ramkhamhaeng Soi 42 in Hua Mak district today to listen to the ruling. The event will start at 1pm with speakers and discussions, followed by a livestream of the court decision at 3pm.