(Bangkok, 24th) The Supreme Court of Thailand has accepted a case involving 44 current and former opposition lawmakers, accusing them of violating ethical standards for pushing an amendment to the 'Lese Majeste Law' in 2021. The trial is scheduled to begin on June 30.
The individuals involved include members of the Move Forward Party and its now-dissolved predecessor, among them party leader Chaithawat and deputy leader Sirikanya. If found guilty, those involved may face the harshest penalty of a lifetime ban from holding public office.
The case was brought by Thailand's anti-corruption agency following the general election in February this year, alleging that the lawmakers violated parliamentary ethical codes by submitting a petition to amend Section 112 of the criminal code (commonly known as the 'Lese Majeste Law') in 2021.
Chaithawat has denied all charges and stated that the opposition will fight the case vigorously, emphasizing that the case concerns the development of democracy in the country.
The court also announced that it would not impose suspension measures on the 10 incumbent lawmakers involved for the time being.
It is understood that Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code is regarded as one of the strictest royal protection laws in the world—with violations punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The Move Forward Party has previously advocated amending the law, arguing it has been abused to suppress dissenting voices.
In recent years, hundreds have been prosecuted for allegedly violating this law. Although the Move Forward Party leads opinion polls, it came in second in the general election in February this year, losing to the Bhumjaithai Party led by Anutin.
The case was brought by Thailand's anti-corruption agency following the general election in February this year, alleging that the lawmakers violated parliamentary ethical codes by submitting a petition to amend Section 112 of the criminal code (commonly known as the 'Lese Majeste Law') in 2021.
Chaithawat has denied all charges and stated that the opposition will fight the case vigorously, emphasizing that the case concerns the development of democracy in the country.
The court also announced that it would not impose suspension measures on the 10 incumbent lawmakers involved for the time being.
It is understood that Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code is regarded as one of the strictest royal protection laws in the world—with violations punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The Move Forward Party has previously advocated amending the law, arguing it has been abused to suppress dissenting voices.
In recent years, hundreds have been prosecuted for allegedly violating this law. Although the Move Forward Party leads opinion polls, it came in second in the general election in February this year, losing to the Bhumjaithai Party led by Anutin.