The Party of European Socialists expresses concerns regarding the current Constitutional Court case in Thailand against the Move Forward Party (MFP) based on its proposal to reform Article 112, the lese majeste law. Thailand’s Election Commission filed the case, requesting the Constitutional Court to disband the MFP without conducting an inquiry.
The overwhelming success of the MFP at the last general elections in May 2023, and the vast support by the people of Thailand, have clearly indicated a desire for democratic changes in the country, which is now threatened.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“The victory of the Move Forward Party in the recent general elections in Thailand is a clear signal that the people of Thailand want progressive and democratic change in their country. Against this backdrop, the current Constitutional Court case against the Move Forward Party, threatening to dissolve the party, can only be seen as an attack on the reform movement in Thailand, and thus an attack on fundamental values such as democracy, freedom, and equality.”
PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck added:
“The potential dissolution of the Move Forward Party is a sign of regression for democracy. The PES reiterates the importance of safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights in the face of emerging challenges to democratic governance.”
Together with the Progressive Alliance, the Party of European Socialists stands in solidarity with the Move Forward Party and its supporters and calls on the international community to closely monitor the political developments in Thailand to ensure that democracy is protected and that justice prevails.
