By Thai Newsroom Reporters
THE ELECTION COMMISSION today (Mar. 12) unanimously resolved to have the Move Forward dissolved by court on grounds of allegedly breaching the draconian lese majeste law.
The polling agency’s members made the unanimous decision to file a partisan dissolution lawsuit with the Constitutional Court against the Move Forward for allegedly violating the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
That the Move Forward had earlier pushed for amendment to the lese majeste law was considered by the commissioners as tantamount to an undermining of rule, thus prompting them to seek dissolution of the progressive party.
If finally found guilty as charged, all members of the party’s executive board will be legally prohibited from political activity for a number of years.
Nevertheless, the Constitutional Court had earlier ruled the Move Forward’s pro-amendment bids as equivalent to a “corrosive” act which could probably lead to an undermining of rule unless it completely ground to a halt.
The Move Forward rank and file led by party leader Pita Limjaroenrat had invariably contended that the lese majeste law could practically be abused by anyone against their political opponents whilst seeking a reduction in jail terms ranging from a minimum of five years to a maximum of 15 years for convicts guilty of breaching the draconian lese majeste law.
Pita’s camp had insisted that relationship between the constitutional monarchy and people would be virtually closer and more solid than ever without the undue meddling of the powers-that-be if the lese majeste law was amended accordingly.
Since the last four years, 268 people, mostly being political activists, have been arrested and charged with lese majeste offenses.
CAPTION:
Former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, second left in above photo and left in Front Page photo, and current leader Chaithawat Tulanthon. Top photo: Thai Rath and Front Page photo: Matichon
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