BANGKOK: Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Wednesday banned the country’s most popular politician, Pita Limjaroenrat, from politics for 10 years and dissolved his reformist Move Forward Party (MFP) over his attempt to reform strict royal defamation laws.
The court’s ruling, delivered unanimously, marks a major blow to the MFP, which had gained substantial traction by campaigning for changes to Thailand’s lese-majeste laws. These laws, which criminalize criticism of the monarchy, are seen as a tool for suppressing dissent in the country.
Pita Limjaroenrat, 43, led the MFP to an unexpected first-place finish in last year’s general election. His platform, which resonated strongly with young and urban voters, included a pledge to reform the lese-majeste law. Despite his popularity, his bid for the premiership was thwarted by conservative senators, and a coalition of parties subsequently formed the government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
Talking to the media, Pita urged his supporters to channel their frustration constructively. “Let’s be sad today for one day but tomorrow we will move on and let’s release the frustration through the next ballot we will cast in the next election,” he said during a news conference.
The ruling has drawn widespread criticism from international observers and human rights organizations. The European Union condemned the decision, stating that it undermines democratic principles and limits political pluralism. “No democratic system can function without a plurality of parties and candidates,” an EU spokesperson said.
Amnesty International decried the ruling as “untenable” and accused the Thai legal system of being used to intimidate and silence critics. The Asian Forum for Human Rights also expressed concern, stating that the decision poses “serious risks to democratic principles.”
The MFP’s troubles began in March when Thailand’s election commission sought the dissolution of the party, accusing it of attempting to overthrow the constitutional monarchy through its proposed reforms. Lese-majeste charges are highly serious in Thailand, where the monarchy, led by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, is held in near-divine reverence.
Following the verdict, dozens of MFP supporters gathered outside the party headquarters in Bangkok. Siriporn Tanapitiporn, a 53-year-old food market vendor, expressed her disappointment but maintained hope in the younger generation’s ability to restore democracy. “But I have faith in the younger generation, they will return the democracy back to our country,” she said through tears.
Sakhorn Kamtalang, a 60-year-old supporter, criticized the court’s decision, stating, “To me, Pita is my PM. The current PM is just a salesman, who isn’t fit as the country leader.”
Pita Limjaroenrat had earlier warned about the politicization of Thailand’s judiciary. “We should not normalize this behavior or accept the use of a politicized court as a weapon to destroy political parties,” he said before the ruling.
Despite the dissolution of the MFP, Pita announced that the party would be relaunched under a new name on Friday. The MFP, which held 148 seats in Thailand’s 500-seat parliament, remains determined to continue its political efforts.
