Thailand’s Election Commission says it will seek the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward party, which won last year’s general election, after a court ruled that the party’s proposal to amend a royal anti-defamation law was unconstitutional.
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Election Commission on Tuesday said it will seek the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward party, which won last year’s general election, after a court ruled that the party’s proposal to amend a royal anti-defamation law was unconstitutional.
The Constitutional Court ruled in January that the party must stop advocating changes to the law, known as Article 112, which protects the monarchy from criticism, by imposing penalties of up to 15 years in jail per offense.
Student-led pro-democracy protests beginning in 2020 openly criticized the monarchy, previously a taboo subject, leading to vigorous prosecutions under the law.
The Move Forward party won a surprise victory in the 2023 general election after campaigning to amend Article 112 and introduce other democratic reforms.
But the military-installed Senate blocked the party from taking power by refusing to approve then-party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s nomination as prime minister.
Pita was suspended from Parliament after being accused of violating the election law by owning shares in a media company.
The original article contains 408 words, the summary contains 167 words. Saved 59%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
So it’s actually the Military that’s in charge of Thailands government. Its a constitutio al Monarchy much like England but the ruling government has been the Military for around 10 years now. The Kings mostly a figurehead just like King Charles. The last King of Thailand was so popular that he could significantly influence the people if he chose, the current King is largely seen as a useless playboy.
Thailand does have a lese majeste law which makes it illegal to insult the King. They are not the only country with such a law, ex. Germany has a similar law making it illegal to criticize the president (though it seems to be largely unused) and Denmark has a law preventing the ridicule of its Monarchs.
So it’s the Military that’s trying to oust an upstart civilian governmental party/movement. They seem to be using the lese majesty laws as an excuse to oust their rivals. I’m not sure just how effective it’ll be since the current King isn’t very well liked. Then again I’m sure they’re running their propaganda beside pictures of the late King who was beloved. Someone with closer ties to Thailand may be able to tell us how receptive people seem to be to this move.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Election Commission on Tuesday said it will seek the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward party, which won last year’s general election, after a court ruled that the party’s proposal to amend a royal anti-defamation law was unconstitutional.
The Constitutional Court ruled in January that the party must stop advocating changes to the law, known as Article 112, which protects the monarchy from criticism, by imposing penalties of up to 15 years in jail per offense.
Student-led pro-democracy protests beginning in 2020 openly criticized the monarchy, previously a taboo subject, leading to vigorous prosecutions under the law.
The Move Forward party won a surprise victory in the 2023 general election after campaigning to amend Article 112 and introduce other democratic reforms.
But the military-installed Senate blocked the party from taking power by refusing to approve then-party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s nomination as prime minister.
Pita was suspended from Parliament after being accused of violating the election law by owning shares in a media company.
The original article contains 408 words, the summary contains 167 words. Saved 59%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
Soooo the monarchy is attempting to re-instill itself in Thailand, and usurp democracy. Interesting.
So it’s actually the Military that’s in charge of Thailands government. Its a constitutio al Monarchy much like England but the ruling government has been the Military for around 10 years now. The Kings mostly a figurehead just like King Charles. The last King of Thailand was so popular that he could significantly influence the people if he chose, the current King is largely seen as a useless playboy.
Thailand does have a lese majeste law which makes it illegal to insult the King. They are not the only country with such a law, ex. Germany has a similar law making it illegal to criticize the president (though it seems to be largely unused) and Denmark has a law preventing the ridicule of its Monarchs.
So it’s the Military that’s trying to oust an upstart civilian governmental party/movement. They seem to be using the lese majesty laws as an excuse to oust their rivals. I’m not sure just how effective it’ll be since the current King isn’t very well liked. Then again I’m sure they’re running their propaganda beside pictures of the late King who was beloved. Someone with closer ties to Thailand may be able to tell us how receptive people seem to be to this move.
And it is important to note that this is not just the military who wants this slide from democracy.