Senate proposes Section 112 debate amid Thai tensions

In an effort to seek a political compromise, the Senate has put forth a proposition for a deliberation on Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly referred to as the lese majeste law. This move comes in response to a petition submitted by a pro-royalist group advocating for the preservation of the existing law. However, apprehensions have arisen within the Senate due to speculations of a protest endorsing Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat, as the prospective prime minister. Concerns revolve around the potential repercussions of clashes between opposing political factions and the anticipated public response.

Senator Srisak Wattanapornmongkol expressed concern that many Thai citizens may have grown weary of the damage caused by protests, as they do not contribute to the country’s progress. He supported a discussion on Section 112, with certain parties, excluding the caretaker government, volunteering to mediate.

In the morning, a pro-royalist activist group, led by Prayoon Jitpetch, chairman of the Love King People’s Committee, and accompanied by over 500 supporters, submitted a petition to Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai at the parliament building. They urged for Section 112 to remain unchanged, as its revocation has become a recent political trend.

Prayoon stated that their primary objective was to oppose the revocation of Section 112 in order to protect the monarchy. He also mentioned that the group was against pressuring senators to vote for a new prime minister, reported Bangkok Post.

Senator Akanit Muensawat accepted the petition, expressing confidence in the Senate members’ ability to choose a future premier that would benefit the country. However, he added that it was too early to discuss the matter, as not all MPs-elect have been certified by the Election Committee (EC), and the actual MP numbers have not been confirmed.

Akanit also clarified that there was no “majority decision” by the Senate at this stage regarding the next prime minister. He mentioned that the Senate had not yet been contacted by the MFP and that Pita’s iTV shareholding issue would not affect their final decision.