In a significant development today, the Constitutional Court has directed the Election Commission to present additional evidence in the ongoing case against the Move Forward Party. This ruling goes to the heart of Thailand's political landscape, as the party faces allegations that could lead to its dissolution.

 

The case centres on accusations that Move Forward attempted to undermine the monarchy by proposing amendments to Thailand's strict lese majeste law, known as Section 112 of the Criminal Code.

 

This law is controversial and carries severe penalties for insulting the monarchy. By calling for its amendment, Move Forward has sparked significant political debate, leading to the current legal proceedings.

 

Today’s court session saw the judges instruct the Election Commission to submit more detailed evidence by June 17. This supplemental material is crucial, given the serious nature of the charges.

 

The next court hearing is set for June 18, providing a tight window for the commission to comply with the court's order.

 

Many political observers view this case as a pivotal moment for Move Forward, a relatively new party that has quickly gained traction among younger Thais and reform-minded citizens.

 

The party's calls for changes to Section 112 have resonated with its base but also drawn fierce criticism from traditionalists and the establishment.

 

If the court rules against Move Forward, it could lead to the dissolution of the party, a move that would significantly alter Thailand's political dynamics. Such an outcome might also provoke reactions from both supporters and critics, potentially leading to broader political and social repercussions.

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

-- 2024-06-13

 

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3 hours ago, webfact said:

Today’s court session saw the judges instruct the Election Commission to submit more detailed evidence by June 17. This supplemental material is crucial, given the serious nature of the charges.

I wonder if the CC is getting cold feet about this case and want EC to provide real evidence that the MFP wanted to "overthrow" the monarchy... not just amend certain laws?

3 hours ago, webfact said:

the Constitutional Court has directed the Election Commission to present additional evidence in the ongoing case against the Move Forward Party.

 

I hope that they cannot provide additional evidence .

Anyway , we all know , this case is just set up to get rid of the most serious competitor to the ruling party .

To base the whole case on some lese majeste charges , that were not meant to 'overthrow ' the monarchy , but just to alter some aspects to the 112 , is , in my eyes , a pathetic effort to silence the opposition .

If the CC does not order the dissolution of MFP and lets Pita continue , it will be seen as a sign that democracy in Thailand is still present and functioning somehow ...

Mmmm, next few days will be interesting. All options possible.

I don't suppose there was ever a poll of those in favor and those that oppose LM reform?  I imagine the last election count will be as close as we get to that poll

if MFP is dissolved then that should be the final straw for pretending Thailand is a democracy 

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

I wonder if the CC is getting cold feet about this case and want EC to provide real evidence that the MFP wanted to "overthrow" the monarchy... not just amend certain laws?

That would probably be a right assumption. There will be hell to pay if it comes to a dissolution.

1 hour ago, cncltd1973 said:

I don't suppose there was ever a poll of those in favor and those that oppose LM reform?  I imagine the last election count will be as close as we get to that poll

There was....and the people conducting the poll were charged with 112. They were activists at the protests a couple of years ago so not surprising that they were arrested under any pretext.

If I remember right, the girl that died on a hunger strike recently was charged with LM for conducting a poll about the royal motorcades.

1 hour ago, cncltd1973 said:

if MFP is dissolved then that should be the final straw for pretending Thailand is a democracy 

Following the dissolution of the MFP and now possibly the FFP with no opposition party it can only be described as a dictatorship..

Unless it falls right back to the old Feudalism/Sakdina society it once was.

There is not chance the MFP will ever be allowed to run the Government, He that cannot be mentioned will never let us know how much Tax Payers money he gets, Tax FREE to fund his opulent lifestyle and never pays for anything, while the poor suffer unashamedly constantly under his gaze from on high......

If the EC didn't provide enough evidence, then they should lost the case. Isn't that how it works? The court asking for more evidence is basically them saying "Find the evidence so we can provide a guilty verdict". Total BS

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Following the dissolution of the MFP and now possibly the FFP with no opposition party it can only be described as a dictatorship..

Unless it falls right back to the old Feudalism/Sakdina society it once was.

Yes indeed. Sakdina still exists, in effect if not in name. It will take a monumental change in so many aspects of Thai society to bring about reform. It will eventually come about, but not any time soon. I fear MFP will be a casualty along the way.

18 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Yes indeed. Sakdina still exists, in effect if not in name. It will take a monumental change in so many aspects of Thai society to bring about reform. It will eventually come about, but not any time soon. I fear MFP will be a casualty along the way.

Indeed... more casualties than changes.

If they think overseas investment is leaving Thailand quickly now, they should wait to see what happens if the CC dissolves MFP and bans Pita et al from politics in Thailand for 10 years. This 'tactic' by the 'elite' worked with FFP and Thanathorn in the past, but if they do it again, there will be an economic backlash that destroys Thailand's economy.  Unlike 30-40 years ago, most 'competing' SEAsian countries offering far more advantages and benefits to international businesses (and their people) to invest there than Thailand does.  If that happens, Thailand will not recover for a very long time if at all, because they have SFA chance of getting them back. 

 

I recall that recently a Govt spokesperson (who knows who/what) said that Thailand needs to offer more incentives for businesses to invest in the EEC - warm weather, beaches etc. were not good enough, compared to what other nearby countries are offering.  What is the bet that his advice will fall on deaf/corrupt ears who are only focused on one thing - their own career and wealth.  

26 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Yes indeed. Sakdina still exists, in effect if not in name. It will take a monumental change in so many aspects of Thai society to bring about reform. It will eventually come about, but not any time soon. I fear MFP will be a casualty along the way.

I think you may be right - but I hope you are wrong.  If they ban MFP and Pita etc. that could be the impetus to the start of the very monumental change you are alluding to.  I think that maybe the elite have recognised the signals, and therefore if the EC cannot provide any more details and evidence, then the CC can deny their case - unless further evidence comes to their attention in the future.  That way the case is not closed permanently, and the threat of dissolution can be held over MFP and Pita etc., as a means of forcing them to 'behave' and not upset their applecart/gravy train. 

6 hours ago, nobodysfriend said:

 

I hope that they cannot provide additional evidence .

Anyway , we all know , this case is just set up to get rid of the most serious competitor to the ruling party .

To base the whole case on some lese majeste charges , that were not meant to 'overthrow ' the monarchy , but just to alter some aspects to the 112 , is , in my eyes , a pathetic effort to silence the opposition .

If the CC does not order the dissolution of MFP and lets Pita continue , it will be seen as a sign that democracy in Thailand is still present and functioning somehow ...

democracy in Thailand, never has been and extremely unlikely in the coming future.

I heard today that MFP wants to table evidence but the CC won't consider looking at it. This is the Junta's judicial system in practice.

They can play Whack-A-Mole all they want but it's not going to stop the movement.  Each time it will just come back stronger.