Thailand: UN Experts Seriously Concerned About Dissolution Of Main Political Party

ON 08/13/2024 AT 09 : 04 AM

Independent experts have expressed deep disappointment about the dissolution of the Move Forward Party in Thailand, confirmed recently by a ruling of the Constitutional Court.

During the 2023 election campaign, the Move Forward party promised to reform Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code (or lèse-majesté law), which criminalises perceived insults against the monarchy and has been repeatedly denounced by United Nations human rights bodies and mechanisms as being inconsistent with international human rights law.

In its ruling of 7 August, the Constitutional Court found that the MFP's efforts to amend article 112 of the Criminal Code, including engaging in social media discussions or political protests about it, were aimed at overthrowing the monarchy.

The Future Forward Party, which preceded the Move Forward Party, was also dissolved in 2020. The experts warned that this new disbandment of the party may well disenfranchise millions of voters.

The experts are in contact with the Government of Thailand on this issue.