Move Forward MPs Ponder Defection Amid Potential Party Dissolution

[webfact]

 

Several MPs from the Move Forward Party in Thailand find themselves at a political crossroads as the spectre of party dissolution looms large, according to party leader Chaithawat Tulathon.

 

The Constitutional Court is expected to deliver its verdict tomorrow (June 12) on allegations that Move Forward aimed to undermine national rule through a controversial bid to amend the lese-majeste law, Section 112 of the Criminal Code.

 

If found guilty, Move Forward faces immediate dissolution. Its executive board members, holding any MP status, would be stripped of their positions and banned from political activities for several years.

 

Chaithawat hinted at attempts by unnamed political entities to lure Move Forward MPs into their ranks, should the dissolution happen.

 

The uncertainty has prompted discussions among the party's 149 MPs about their political futures. Thai law gives MPs from a dissolved party 60 days to join another party to maintain their status.

 

Among those possibly affected are prominent figures such as Pita Limjaroenrat, Benja Saengchan, and Deputy House Speaker Padipat Santipada, who recently moved to the Fair Party.

 

Chaithawat refrained from specifying how many MPs are inclined to defect, noting that such moves often reflect "old-style" politics, which he believes will adversely affect public opinion towards these recruiting parties.

 

The parties allegedly seeking to capitalise on this turmoil include Pheu Thai under Thaksin Shinawatra, Bhumjaithai led by Newin Chidchob, and the Palang Pracharath Party headed by former Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.

 

Pita remarked that MPs who defect often struggle in subsequent elections, citing last year’s results as evidence. The defection talks also tie into wider political manoeuvrings, including potential changes in the coalition government led by Pheu Thai’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who might face impeachment.

 

Tomorrow's court ruling could thus set off a significant reshuffle in Thailand's political landscape, forcing Move Forward MPs to make tough decisions in a rapidly evolving environment.

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

-- 2024-06-12

 

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[hotchilli]

If the MFP is dissolved like the FFP they will make a new party..

Hopefully named the "continue the fight party"

[Srikcir]

If a Communist Party followed a banned MFP, would anyone notice?

[John Drake]

Would be fun to see them defect to Prawit and then get enough to oust PTP.

[jonclark]

26 minutes ago, John Drake said:

Would be fun to see them defect to Prawit and then get enough to oust PTP.

Even funner if they all defected to prawit, so they were the majority of his MPs and then forced him to review section 112. 

[John Drake]

1 minute ago, jonclark said:

Even funner if they all defected to prawit, so they were the majority of his MPs and then forced him to review section 112. 

 

All sorts of interesting possibilities that could really shake things up. But would really enjoy seeing PTP's plans dissolve into mist before their faces.

[CharlieKo]

Yet for Thaksin there are no consequences, He can even stick 2 fingers up at his own Lese Majeste  problems.