Court Accepts Petition, Seeking MFP Dissolution

BANGKOK, April 3 (TNA) – The Constitutional Court has accepted a petition by the Election Commission (EC) asking the court to consider dissolving  the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP).  

The petition alleged that the MFP’s efforts to change Section 112 of the Criminal Code or the lese majeste law showed an intention to undermine the constitutional monarchy, which violates Section 92 of the organic law on political parties.

The petition also requested the withdrawal of the party’s executives’ right to run for election for a period of 10 years. The Court has concluded that there is credible evidence that the MFP committed the alleged acts. Therefore, the petition will be considered.

A copy of the petition will also be sent to the MFP and the party is asked to submit an explanation to the Court within 15 days from the date of receipt of the petition.

In January, the Constitutional Court ruled that MFP’s plan to amend the lese majeste law was unconstitutional and tantamount to an attempt to overthrow the sysmten of the government with the King as the head of state. The court ordered the cessation of such activities.

Move Forward has denied any attempt and intention to do so and has prepared its defence to provide explanation regarding the allegation. -819 (TNA)