MOVE FORWARD deputy leader-cum-MP Sirikanya Tansakul said today (July 29) if the Constitutional Court dissolves the party on Aug. 7 when it will deliver a ruling in a case filed by the Election Commission she is ready to lead this party which would move to a new camp if so nominated by the rank and file, Naewna newspaper said.
Under the highly debatable charges the Move Forward is alleged to have designed to undermine rule of the country by having earlier sought amendment to the draconian lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
If finally found guilty as charged, the Move Forward might possibly be dissolved by court and those who performed as the party’s executive board members at the times of the accused acts could possibly be deprived of their MP status, if any, and prohibited from assuming political positions at all levels for 10 years.
Outstanding figures who could possibly be adversely affected include current Move Forward leader/MP Chaithawat Tulathon, former Move Forward leader/current Move Forward MP Pita Limjaroenratformer and Move Forward MP/current Deputy House Speaker/Fair MP Padipat Santipada.
Sirikanya said a videotape just released in which a lot of focus was on her had in fact been filmed a while ago during an annual meeting.
That so much attention was paid to her could be because she has been with the party longer than anyone else having joined the Future Forward Party under Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit before it was dissolved and practically renamed as Move Forward Party as a policy director, she mentioned
However Sirikanya added that everything depends on the ruling on Aug. 7 with Move Forward’s position carrying weight and it is putting up a strong defence.
Reporters questioned her again whether she would agree to lead the party if nominated to take the helm, and she replied, “Yes, it depends on the party.”
Upon being pointed out that if she were elected Move Forward leader she would be pitted against Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and this could turn into a battle between two strong women, Sirikanya replied that it is a good dimension for Thailand to have more female party leaders.
In addition to representing people from all sides and age groups, female party leaders could have a different perspective on politics than in play in the past when the political arena was mostly dominated by men.
Move Forward has made some preparations in setting up a new party if something unexpected occurs and MPs could move to the new camp, she said, however adding that the new party’s name has not yet been chosen.
CAPTIONS:
Move Forward deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul. Top photo: Naewna, Front Page photo: Thai Rath
Insert: Former Move Forward leader/current Move Forward MP Pita Limjaroenrat, right, and current Move Forward leader/MP Chaithawat Tulathon. Photo: Naewna
Also read: Orange’ supporters urged to gather at Move Forward HQ on judgement day
Move Forward MPs tempted to defect in face of possible party dissolution
Pita: Activist’s death an opportunity to put out political fire
Working women are the biggest target of cyberattacks
Thai tourism on track to hit 50 million by 2028 – IF peace prevails
Body of Chinese tourist who drowned in the sea off Phuket found
Unesco lists Phu Phra Bat Park as World Heritage Site
