KUALA LUMPUR – It is unlawful for the main opposition party to pledge to reform royal defamation laws, said Thailand’s Constitutional Court.
The court also ruled that Move Forward Party’s election promise amounted to an attempt to “overthrow the monarchy”.
This meant that the party and its former leader Pita Limjaroenrat had to cease all activities related to the anti-lese majeste campaign as well as face possible dissolution of the party.
A petition was filed by lawyer Theerayut Suwankesorn in July last year, alleging the party and its then-leader Pita Limjaroenrat of attempting to overthrow the monarchy.
In the filing, the lawyer claimed that the party’s policy to amend the lese majeste law violates Article 49 of the constitution.
According to Article 49, “no person shall exercise rights or liberties to overthrow the democratic regime of government with the King as head of state.”
Last week, Pita was cleared of charges accusing him of violating the constitution and electoral laws by holding shares in a now-defunct media firm while running for office.
Thailand’s constitution bars those seeking public office from owning shares in media organisations. – January 31, 2024