Thailand's Move Forward Party Faces Potential Dissolution Over Proposed Constitutional Reforms

Bangkok, Dec 25 (EFE).- The charismatic politician Pita Limjaroenrat, whose party won the elections in Thailand last May but was unable to form a Government, appeared this Monday before the Constitutional Court in a second court case that could lead to the dissolution of his match, Move Forward.

In a statement, the Constitutional Court indicated that after hearing the testimonies of Pita and the current party leader, Chaithawat Tulathon, today, it will issue a ruling on January 31 in this case in which Avanzar is accused of wanting to overthrow the constitutional monarchy by propose the reform of the lèse majesté law.

Leaving the court in Bangkok, Pita declared that he is confident that the party will be victorious in this court case, according to the Voice TV channel.

The accusation refers to Avanzar’s electoral promise to reform article 112 of the Penal Code, known as the lese majeste law, to reduce prison sentences, which currently range between 3 and 15 years in prison for anyone who defames or insults The Royal Family.

The progressive party is accused of, with this reform, trying to overthrow the “democratic system with the king as head of state”, according to article 49 of the Constitution.

Pita, 43 years old and who resigned as leader of Avanzar in September, faces another court case related to the possession of shares in a media outlet, for which he faces up to 10 years in prison and 20 years of political disqualification if He is found guilty at a hearing on January 24.

Pita denies all charges and accuses pro-military parties and pro-monarchist and conservative elites of criminalizing him and his party to prevent the pro-democratic reforms they advocate for Thailand.

Avanzar won the Thai elections on May 14, but the unelected Senate, hand-picked by the previous military junta (2014-2019), blocked Pita’s candidacy for prime minister.

Avanzar’s predecessor, the Future Forward party, was dissolved and its board of directors, including leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, disqualified for ten years in a controversial court decision in 2019 over a loan.

After failed attempts to form the Advance Government, Pheu Thai leader Srettha Thavisin formed a coalition with several parties, including two pro-military parties, and was elected prime minister on August 22.