US Embassy concerned over dissolution of Move Forward Party

The United States of America Embassy issued an official statement of concern on Facebook after the Constitutional Court yesterday dissolved the Move Forward Party (MFP) over their attempts to alter the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Law.

After five months of consideration, the Constitutional Court yesterday, August 7, deemed the MFP‘s campaign to reform the lese majeste law as a threat to the monarchy and the democratic form of government in Thailand with the king as the head of state. Consequently, the party was dissolved and 11 of its leaders were banned for 10 years.

Following the dissolution, the Senior Director at Amnesty International, Deprose Muchena, criticised the Constitutional Court for disregarding Thailand’s international human rights obligations, as the decision violates the rights to freedom of expression and association in Thai politics.

US Embassy in Thailand spokesperson Matthew Miller also voiced concerns over the dissolution.

“The United States is deeply concerned by Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruling today ordering the dissolution of the Move Forward Party and the banning of 11 of its leaders from politics.

“This decision disenfranchises the more than 14 million Thais who voted for the Move Forward Party in the May, 2023 General Election and raises questions about their representation within Thailand’s electoral system. The Constitutional Court’s decision also jeopardises Thailand’s democratic progress and runs counter to the aspirations of the Thai people for a strong, democratic future.

“Inclusive political participation strengthens social cohesion and is a critical component of resilient national institutions. The United States does not take a position in support of any political party, but as a close ally and friend with deep and enduring ties, we urge Thailand to take actions to ensure fully inclusive political participation, and to protect democracy and the freedoms of association and expression.”

Section 112

Many Thai netizens appreciated the spokesperson for reflecting that the court’s decision contradicted the international concepts of rights, freedom, and democracy.

Meanwhile, many others voiced their opinions in opposition to the spokesperson, pointing out that the MFP deserved dissolution for their aims to reform Section 112, which they knew could lead to this conclusion.

After the court’s verdict announcement yesterday, the MFP held a press conference to share their opinions and feelings about the dissolution. Former party leader Pita Limjaroenrat and the current party leader Chaithawat Tulathon insisted on supporting the members and their new parties despite a 10-year ban.

Sirikunya Tansakun, the former MFP Deputy Leader, revealed that the party would launch a new political party tomorrow, August 9, and would hold a press conference at the Thai Summit building. The application for party membership would begin on August 10 at the Stadium One building.

Sirikunya is poised to be the new party leader but the executive management team has not yet been revealed.

The Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, yesterday, offered encouragement to the MFP on his official Facebook account. Chadchart included the lyrics of the song “Season Change (ฤดูที่แตกต่าง)” by Thai singer and songwriter Boyd Kosiyabong in the post as encouragement to the party members. The governor stated:

“Be patient when it is raining, at least it makes us see the difference. When the rain stops, the sky will be bright and make us understand how much it was worth waiting.

“I would like to offer my support to Pita, Chaithawat, Wiroj (the leading Member of Parliament of MFP), and everyone in the MFP.”

Wiroj expressed his appreciation in the comments.

“Thank you very much. Whether it’s raining or not, I’m always ready to stand out amidst the sunshine and rain.”

The leader of the Progressive Movement, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, also said a few words after the MFP dissolution.

“Our political horizon is the 2027 election, the third election after the establishment of the Future Forward Party, after the first step of our journey. 2027 is the year in which we must win the election by a landslide. We are going to make 2027 a decade of change. That is where we are going.”