Amnesty International Condemns Dissolution of Thailand’s Move Forward Party

[webfact]

A supporter of the Move Forward Party reacts at the party headquarters after the Constitutional Court ordered the dissolution of the party in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Amnesty International has strongly criticised the dissolution of Thailand's main opposition party, Move Forward, calling it a grave blow to human rights in the country.

 

The condemnation comes after Thailand’s Constitutional Court decided to dissolve the party for proposing reforms, sparking concerns over freedom of expression and political repression.

 

Amnesty International’s Senior Director, Deprose Muchena, voiced dismay at the court’s ruling, stating, "Dissolving the party, merely for advocating for reform, constitutes a serious violation of the rights to freedom of expression and association of lawmakers, who were simply performing their duty of proposing laws."

 

Muchena added, "The authorities’ relentless harassment of the political opposition starkly contradicts Thailand's public commitment to human rights, especially as it seeks a seat on the UN Human Rights Council."

 

The Move Forward party, which had garnered significant public support in recent years, was seen as a vital voice advocating for democratic reforms in Thailand. The court’s decision to dissolve the party has led to widespread outrage among its supporters.

 

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called for calm, urging all sides to accept the court’s decision. "I believe the Move Forward party has a plan and means to continue its political activities," the Prime Minister remarked, attempting to quell rising tensions.

 

Meanwhile, student groups across Thailand have announced plans for rallies to protest against the court’s decision. The Department of Humanitarian and Human Rights Affairs of the Chulalongkorn University Student’s Club has organised a gathering at Pathumwan skywalk in Bangkok, set for 6 pm this evening.

 

Additionally, law faculties at Thammasat and Chiang Mai Universities will hold rallies on their campuses, while students at Maha Sarakham University have planned a separate demonstration.

 

As Thailand grapples with this political upheaval, the international community watches closely, concerned about the implications for democracy and human rights in the country.

 

-- 2024-08-08

 

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[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Muchena added, "The authorities’ relentless harassment of the political opposition starkly contradicts Thailand's public commitment to human rights, especially as it seeks a seat on the UN Human Rights Council."

Tell Thailand to go swivel.

[2baht]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Amnesty International has strongly criticised the dissolution of Thailand's main opposition party, Move Forward, calling it a grave blow to human rights in the country.

..........and just what you gonna do about it??? 😏

[watchcat]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called for calm, urging all sides to accept the court’s decision.

 

To prevail the control of the autocraycy?

[RichardColeman]

I suppose if you were a move forward supporter involved in importing sex toys it was an even worse day ! 

[stoner]

i guess they missed the memo. thou shalt not talk shhhhhh about our decision.

[nobodysfriend]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

"Dissolving the party, merely for advocating for reform, constitutes a serious violation of the rights to freedom of expression and association of lawmakers, who were simply performing their duty of proposing laws."

 

Well said .

 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

I believe the Move Forward party has a plan and means to continue its political activities," the Prime Minister remarked, attempting to quell rising tensions.

 

Meanwhile, student groups across Thailand have announced plans for rallies to protest against the court’s decision. The Department of Humanitarian and Human Rights Affairs of the Chulalongkorn University Student’s Club has organised a gathering at Pathumwan skywalk in Bangkok, set for 6 pm this evening.

 

I smell  ' social unrest ' coming ...

The students will go to the streets to protest ... and how will the authorities react ?

 

[redwood1]

23 minutes ago, stoner said:

i guess they missed the memo. thou shalt not talk shhhhhh about our decision.

 

First rule of the Fight Club....Errrr I mean ruling is not to talk about the ruling...  A ruling that squashes freedom cant be questioned...

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, nobodysfriend said:

The students will go to the streets to protest ... and how will the authorities react ?

They usually react with guns.

It is their version of democracy.

[newbee2022]

1 hour ago, 2baht said:

..........and just what you gonna do about it??? 😏

Crucify Thailand internationally?

[digger70]

1 hour ago, 2baht said:

..........and just what you gonna do about it??? 😏

Talk and talk like they do all the time for Anything  and getting Nothing done.

[Wrwest]

3 hours ago, 2baht said:

..........and just what you gonna do about it??? 😏

Valid question. It would be interesting if we could learn if any reconsideration of investment in Thailand is affected and whether Thailand will be passed over for the UN seat as a result of this decision.

[nobodysfriend]

MFP's new leader appears to be a woman .

 

Sirikanya Tansakun, is tipped to lead the new party.

Ms Sirikanya, the deputy leader of Move Forward, is not among the 11 party executives who were banned from politics for 10 years  by the Constitutional Court on Wednesday.

 

[john donson]

not my uncle...case closed

[Burma Bill]

11 hours ago, webfact said:

Additionally, law faculties at Thammasat and Chiang Mai Universities will hold rallies on their campuses, while students at Maha Sarakham University have planned a separate demonstration.

 

Now the action begins - like student riots of the past?

[DTL2014]

Should not the Constitutional Court be dissolving itself...? If they make descions that weaken the monachy (under the guise of protecting it)- then they are also guilty of similar offences...?? And by the way...if anyone needs a history lesson (albeit uk history)...we should remember that people's rights were born from the wrangling of the Dukes  on behalf of the people with King John...Was King john weakened? Yes . but it also strengthened the monachy and aligned it with present day thinking.Before the Magna Carta -the king owned everything or the church did.Reform takes place whether we like or not..so clinging to this section 112 as a fall back to protect the monachy is serving who's interests? It's disingenious. Generally speaking if the goal is to protect the monachy- which i think the majority want - if it's aligned with the people's wishes then it will continue and thrive with their support.Critiscism is part of the process in forming consensus.Whoever wrote that into the constitution either did it naively with the best intentions. But never properly considered the future consequences for so many sucessive govt disbandments.What's the econmic,social consequencies of this? It's certainly stifled investment and development.

[MikeandDow]

On 8/8/2024 at 8:15 AM, newbee2022 said:

Crucify Thailand internationally?

I think Thailand is doing that itself