US and EU express concern over the demise of Thailand's Move Forward party

[webfact]

Former leader of Move Forward Party, Pita Limjaroenrat, center, arrives at Move Forward Party headquarter in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Rach Sumetlak)

 

The United States and the European Union voiced strong concerns on Wednesday following the Constitutional Court of Thailand's decision to dissolve the opposition party, Move Forward. The verdict raises alarm about the country's democratic trajectory, especially considering Move Forward's significant electoral support.

 

In a statement, the US State Department highlighted the potential threat to Thailand's democratic progress. “This decision jeopardises Thailand’s democratic progress and runs counter to the aspirations of the Thai people for a strong, democratic future,” said spokesperson Matthew Miller. The department emphasised that the ruling disenfranchises over 14 million voters who supported Move Forward in the May 2023 elections.

 

The EU described the ruling as a setback for political pluralism, stressing the importance of a multi-party system for democracy. "No democratic system can function without a plurality of parties and candidates," stated the European External Action Service. The Move Forward Party had earned 14 million votes in the last general election, showing strong public support.

 

Human rights organisations also condemned the court's decision. Amnesty International called the ruling "untenable" and accused the Thai government of using legal means to silence dissent. The Asian Forum for Human Rights echoed these concerns, highlighting severe risks to democratic principles in Thailand, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed optimism, believing that Move Forward would navigate through the recent political turmoil. He downplayed fears that the dissolution would weaken the opposition, suggesting that investor sentiment and political stability would likely remain unaffected.

 

Political economist Somjai Phagaphasvivat opined that the party’s dissolution would have minimal impact on governance and investment, predicting only brief protests. However, Varakorn Samakoses, an economics expert, cautioned that the dissolution might induce medium- and long-term uncertainties among investors regarding the nation’s policies.

 

This recent development marks the third dissolution of a political party under the current constitution, following the disbandment of Thai Raksa Chart in 2019 and the Future Forward Party in 2020. As Thailand navigates these turbulent political waters, the international community remains watchful.

 

-- 2024-08-08

 

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[JoePai]

Here is the BBC take on it :  https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crkmdd4vevxo

 

The most telling part is :

...unaccountable power is wielded by palace officials, senior judges, business tycoons, and military and police officers

[novacova]

6 minutes ago, JoePai said:

Here is the BBC take on it :  https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crkmdd4vevxo

 

The most telling part is :

...unaccountable power is wielded by palace officials, senior judges, business tycoons, and military and police officers

Quite the resemblance of some western nations isn’t it…

[Ned]

What now for the US State Dept's plans to turn Thailand into another proxy state like Ukraine?

[Tropicalevo]

Thailand never was, never is and never will be a democracy. 😞

The military have been in power too long and will never let it change.

They work hand in hand with the major Thai corporations to ensure that they can rape the country and make huge personal wealth whilst keeping the majority of its people at the bottom of the heap.

That is why Thailand is working to be closer to China.

At least China does not pretend to be a democracy.

Very sad.

Beautiful people and a beautiful country.

"Keep fighting MFP. Never give up!"

[edwinchester]

30 minutes ago, novacova said:

Quite the resemblance of some western nations isn’t it…

Please enlighten me as to which Western democracies have had their Courts dissolve 3 political parties in the last 5 years?

[Will B Good]

38 minutes ago, novacova said:

Quite the resemblance of some western nations isn’t it…

SCOTUS?

[ikke1959]

With a military junta and a refusal to enter the 21st century, accept opposition, the political situation will become more and more unstable and look what happens all ove rthe world in Venezuela, Nigeria, Kenia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and when the people are sick of it they will come on the streets, which is bad for (future) investors, tourists, and the economy of Thailand. And than they can blame the foreigners.....but it is their own to blame.

Thailand thinks they don't need the Western countries, but the opposite is true, as we have seen in Covid period. Sad for a country that names itself a democracy

[Will B Good]

27 minutes ago, Ned said:

What now for the US State Dept's plans to turn Thailand into another proxy state like Ukraine?

 

 

You've seen those plans?

[watchcat]

13 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

You've seen those plans?

 

I think they would be "secret"

[Will B Good]

1 minute ago, watchcat said:

 

I think they would be "secret"

 

 

You mean kept in a locked bathroom somewhere.....?....555

[JimGant]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Amnesty International called the ruling "untenable" and accused the Thai government of using legal means to silence dissent.

Amnesty International, and all these other hand-wringing NGOs, are culturally tone deaf. Thailand happens to  be very protective of its Royal Family; say bad things about them, and pay a heavy price for blasphemy. Similar sensitivities about blasphemy in Muslim countries. Dissent all you want in Thailand -- but just be aware of certain cultural boundaries -- and the heavy price you'll pay for pushing the envelope. Amnesty International would have more validity, if it didn't broad-brush the world. 

[Will B Good]

4 minutes ago, JimGant said:

Amnesty International, and all these other hand-wringing NGOs, are culturally tone deaf. Thailand happens to  be very protective of its Royal Family; say bad things about them, and pay a heavy price for blasphemy. Similar sensitivities about blasphemy in Muslim countries. Dissent all you want in Thailand -- but just be aware of certain cultural boundaries -- and the heavy price you'll pay for pushing the envelope. Amnesty International would have more validity, if it didn't broad-brush the world. 

 

 

Well said

 

Totally agree...look at all the fuss some organisations made over the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot.....they need to keep their noses out of other peoples businesses......if people have to suffer then it's their fault.

[CallumWK]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

He downplayed fears that the dissolution would weaken the opposition, suggesting that investor sentiment and political stability would likely remain unaffected.

 

From the article it's obvious to me that he's wrong, as always, and that he might be in for a surprise.

 

 

[JimGant]

54 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

With a military junta and a refusal to enter the 21st century, accept opposition, the political situation will become more and more unstable and look what happens all ove rthe world

Yeah, just look at the particulars of this country:

Quote

Significant human rights issues included credible reports of: preventive detention by the government under various laws that dispense with regular judicial due process; monitoring private electronic or telephone conversations without a warrant; serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media, including the enforcement of criminal libel laws to limit expression; serious restrictions on internet freedom; and substantial legal and regulatory limitations on the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of association.

Wow, wouldn't it be terrible if Thailand degenerated to this level of human rights abuse.

 

What? This is Singapore? Nevermind.

 

https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/singapore/

[Will B Good]

3 minutes ago, JimGant said:

Yeah, just look at the particulars of this country:

Wow, wouldn't it be terrible if Thailand degenerated to this level of human rights abuse.

 

What? This is Singapore? Nevermind.

 

https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/singapore/

 

What has Singapore got to do with anything?

[englishoak]

Yeah right. The US and EU should have more concerns about their own political circus shows and untouchables... might not be at war all the time, declining into crime ridden cess pits & economic basket cases themselves. 

 

May Thailand always remain a Monarchy & fiercely patriotic,listen to none and act as they decide best for their own nation.... It'll be better off even with the inevitable mistakes than doing what the "globalist" community prefers.. 

 

 

 

 

 

[ikke1959]

45 minutes ago, JimGant said:

Yeah, just look at the particulars of this country:

Wow, wouldn't it be terrible if Thailand degenerated to this level of human rights abuse.

 

What? This is Singapore? Nevermind.

 

https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/singapore/

you can change singapore in thailand and get all the information 

[novacova]

1 hour ago, edwinchester said:

Please enlighten me as to which Western democracies have had their Courts dissolve 3 political parties in the last 5 years?

Obviously by your response you believe that western politicians are pristine and immune from special interest influence of mega corporations, multi billionaires and unelected bureaucrats. As we all know, individuals in courts in all countries are swayed by beliefs and some level of corruption. 

[Pouatchee]

With a smirk on his face was quoted as saying on behalf of the puppet master -->

 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed optimism, believing that Move Forward would navigate through the recent political turmoil. He downplayed fears that the dissolution would weaken the opposition, suggesting that investor sentiment and political stability would likely remain unaffected.

 

and seemed cool as a cucumber knowing that the charges laid against him being ruled on next week by the same court that dissolved mfp would be dropped thanks to his boss's intervention

[Taboo2]

I wish my country would MYOFB!

 

We, the USA have not learnt anything from our interference in S. E. Asia.  Stay the F**K out of this country's internal politics.  

 

Hey, my fellow Americans in the CIA (State Department)...figure out who wanted to take out Trump before making stupid comments about an issue that does not concern you.

 

Ok!

[transam]

3 hours ago, novacova said:

Quite the resemblance of some western nations isn’t it…

Don't be silly..........🙄

[transam]

3 hours ago, Ned said:

What now for the US State Dept's plans to turn Thailand into another proxy state like Ukraine?

Oh, dear...........

[transam]

53 minutes ago, englishoak said:

Yeah right. The US and EU should have more concerns about their own political circus shows and untouchables... might not be at war all the time, declining into crime ridden cess pits & economic basket cases themselves. 

 

May Thailand always remain a Monarchy & fiercely patriotic,listen to none and act as they decide best for their own nation.... It'll be better off even with the inevitable mistakes than doing what the "globalist" community prefers.. 

 

 

 

 

 

Eh......?  

[pub2022]

United States and EU pretending to give lessons in democracy to Thailand is ridiculous to say the least.

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The United States and the European Union voiced strong concerns on Wednesday following the Constitutional Court of Thailand's decision to dissolve the opposition party, Move Forward.

And tomorrow both the above will continue to do business as usual.

[brianthainess]

These bloody foreigners just don't understand Thainess init.

[brianthainess]

3 hours ago, JoePai said:

The most telling part is :

...unaccountable power is wielded by palace officials,

Well that was carefully worded, wouldn't want their BKK office raided again would they, as has happened in the past. 

[edwinchester]

1 hour ago, englishoak said:

Yeah right. The US and EU should have more concerns about their own political circus shows and untouchables... might not be at war all the time, declining into crime ridden cess pits & economic basket cases themselves. 

 

May Thailand always remain a Monarchy & fiercely patriotic,listen to none and act as they decide best for their own nation.... It'll be better off even with the inevitable mistakes than doing what the "globalist" community prefers.. 

 

 

 

 

 

"May Thailand always remain a Monarchy & fiercely patriotic..."

I see you left out any mention of democracy.

Disenfranchising over 14 million people of their vote was inevitable when Move Forward won the election but it was far from a mistake rather it was a calculated blow from Thailand's elite using the Military Appointed Constitutional Court to further their own corrupt cause.

[wwest5829]

2 hours ago, JimGant said:

Amnesty International, and all these other hand-wringing NGOs, are culturally tone deaf. Thailand happens to  be very protective of its Royal Family; say bad things about them, and pay a heavy price for blasphemy. Similar sensitivities about blasphemy in Muslim countries. Dissent all you want in Thailand -- but just be aware of certain cultural boundaries -- and the heavy price you'll pay for pushing the envelope. Amnesty International would have more validity, if it didn't broad-brush the world. 

What Move Forward wanted to address was not protecting of the monarchy but the documented misuse of the law for political ends to stifle dissent. And so it remains, status quo.