Monthly Event Reports
February 2024 | Opposition Move Forward Party faces dissolution
The Move Forward Party (MFP) faces potential dissolution as it faces mounting legal challenges following a recent Constitutional Court ruling that deemed MFP’s proposed amendments to the royal insult law constituted an attempt to overthrow Thailand’s constitutional monarchy. A day after the 31 January ruling, petitions were initiated urging the Election Commission to advocate for MFP’s disbandment before the Constitutional Court. The final decision could materialize within weeks or months, with rights advocates highlighting that the unfolding events offer a textbook example of how the political establishment employs state mechanisms to suppress opposition movements.
January 2024 | Constitutional Court bans expressions on amending lese-majesty laws
On 31 January, Thailand’s constitutional court issued a ruling declaring that the opposition Move Forward Party’s (MFP) campaign to amend the nation’s royal insult law were in violation of the constitution. The Court directed MFP to cease all attempts to advocate for the law’s abolition through any medium. Additionally, the ruling stipulated that any amendments to the law must adhere strictly to "lawful legislative measures," such as those conducted within parliament, thereby potentially excluding discourse by legislators with the public or social media engagement from the process. Although no immediate penalties were imposed by the ruling, political analysts speculate that it could potentially serve as grounds for the dissolution of MFP. The decision follows as ex-MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat was cleared in another legal case aimed at disqualifying him from parliament. Earlier in the month, a man was sentenced to a record 50 years for criticising the Thai monarchy.
December 2023 | Thailand takes steps toward legalizing same-sex marriage
On 21 December, Thailand’s parliament overwhelmingly endorsed the first reading of four draft bills aimed at establishing a legal framework for same-sex unions. The bill seeks to revise the Civil and Commercial Code by adopting more inclusive language, modifying existing definitions of marriage and replacing terms like “husband and wife” with gender-neutral terms. The proposed amendments would also grant LGBTQIA+ couples the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts, including adoption and inheritance rights. Subsequently, a committee will be formed to merge the four bills into one, ahead of further readings and necessary approval stages before becoming law. LGBTQIA+ rights advocates have welcomed the move, noting that if enacted and receiving royal assent, the bill could take effect as early as mid-2024.
August 2023 | Parliament votes in new prime minister
On 22 August, Thailand's parliament elected Srettha Thavisin from the opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP) as the new prime minister, concluding a three-month political impasse. This followed failed attempts by Move Forward Party's (MFP) leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, to secure sufficient support for the position from a military-appointed Senate after winning a plurality in the May polls. Before the failed bid, MFP and PTP had taken steps to form an eight-party coalition. Srettha's election coincides with PTP's decision to form an 11-party coalition that includes two pro-military parties. Move Forward Party was excluded due to its commitment to reform the royal defamation law. Political analysts have expressed uncertainty about Srettha's ability to govern effectively due to PTP's “numerical disadvantage compared to conservative partners in the coalition.” Srettha, considered a "political newcomer," has vowed to address income inequality, LGBTQIA+ rights, and corruption.
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