Thailand's former Move Forward political party, which was disbanded, rallied its supporters on Thursday to gear up for the introduction of its new identity and leadership. The party encouraged its followers to voice their opinions at the polling stations rather than on the streets. Move Forward had been the dominant force in parliament until the Constitutional Court dissolved it on Wednesday due to its campaign to revise the stringent law against insulting the monarchy, which the court deemed undermined Thailand's constitutional monarchy.
The party, which argued that the ruling established a risky precedent for interpreting the constitution, plans to reveal its new name and leadership on Friday. "Move Forward transitions to a new party - all 143 of our parliamentarians are joining us," the party stated, assuring there would be no desertions. This marks the third iteration of the progressive Future Forward, which was dissolved in 2020 for a campaign finance violation, sparking widespread anti-government demonstrations.
Deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul, anticipated to be the next leader, addressed supporters late on Wednesday, saying, "Even though we are sad, we will channel our energy into the upcoming by-elections, provincial polls... to demonstrate to those in power that this is just the beginning." Move Forward secured the most seats in the previous year's election, but its progressive policies, including dismantling business monopolies and military reform, conflicted with the country's conservative establishment, wealthy elites, and the royalist military.
Conservative parties and the military-appointed upper house prevented Move Forward's charismatic leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, from becoming prime minister last year. Pita is now barred from public office for a decade along with 10 other party executives. Forty-four current and former Move Forward politicians, including 26 legislators, face a complaint to an anti-corruption body by conservative activists aiming for lifetime political bans for attempting to alter the law on royal insults.
The party's dissolution occurs at a pivotal moment in Thai politics, with a decision on a case seeking Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's dismissal expected next week. The Constitutional Court will determine if Srettha's appointment of a lawyer who had previously been imprisoned violated ethical standards. Srettha denies any misconduct. Supported by the populist Pheu Thai party, the Prime Minister expressed concern about the impending ruling on his case but stated he would continue to work as usual. Regarding foreign critiques of the decision that led to Move Forward's dissolution, Srettha emphasized that Thailand is an independent, democratic nation, and the decision was made in accordance with the law.
