But even if jury rules against breakdown, individual case could lead to embargo on 44 essential members
![Chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat says one of the key goals of the Move Forward Party is “to prove that the Thai economy works for the 99% and not just the top 1%”. (Photo: Reuters/Patipat Janthong)](https://static.bangkokpost.com/media/content/20240726/c1_2836401.jpg)
Pita Limjaroenrat, the Move Forward Party‘s key adviser, is optimistic that the organization will survive a potential resolution to the dispute, but warns that a separate investigation could result in the main opposition party being destroyed.
Mr. Pita, who helped Move Forward win the election last year but was denied power by army-appointed senators, claimed that the conservative establishment was once more using its muscle to have common leaders.
” This is the second vicious cycle in 20 years. In a recent interview with a member of parliament, he claimed in a statement that the liberal elites had discovered a way to preserve elected leaders at bay amid the chaos of politicians debating in its tanks.
It plays the same music over and over again, according to the author.
Politics in Thailand has been defined by a continuous two-decade conflict between the conservative-royalist creation, backed by the military, and famous political events, including Move Forward.
The Constitutional Court ordered Move Forward to abandon its strategy in January, citing the fact that its plan to update the lese-majeste legislation, which shields the king from criticism, was a covert attempt to denigrate the crown.
In a case brought by the Election Commission (EC ), the party is now facing a potential dissolution by the same court over the same issue. A decision is expected on August 7.
Move Forward maintains that the polling place committed important errors while denying any wrongdoing. Although the court has declined to hear any dental testimony, it did list many legal scholars and others who were willing to support its situation.
Mr. Pita continued, citing arguments that the group has claimed it submitted in writing to the court that the election commission had determined that the problem process was constitutionally flawed.
The judge in this instance conducted the proceedings behind closed doors and simply accepted written submissions from the opposing parties.
He continued, arguing that a similar problem that the court considered more than ten years ago was rejected.” I also believe in administrative fairness and administrative consistency,” he said.
Mr Pita remains Thailand’s most popular prime ministerial choice, polling at 46 % in a survey last month ahead of premier Srettha Thavisin who was backed by only 13 % of respondents.
‘ Violent routine ‘
Move Forward, a 43-year-old Harvard-educated politician, said he faces a second significant challenge from a complaint that conservative activists have to the National Anti-Corruption Commission ( NACC).
The committee has not made any public comments regarding whether or not the case will be heard in court.
44 current and former politicians face career social bans for reportedly breaking ethics by supporting the effort to update Section 112 of the Criminal Code, one of the most stringent laws of its kind in the world.
” If we were to be found’ evil’ in our social activities inside parliament, we will be banned for living”, Mr Pita said.
” There’s no other charges”.
The progressive motion, which has won widespread support for its goals, including ending military conscription and eradicating business monopolies, could be severely weakened by the fact that this case only.
” That will be almost like dissolving antagonism in Thai democracy”, Mr Pita said.
Four Thai social events, starting with those backed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, have been dissolved in the last two years.
The most recent was Walk Forward’s father, Future Forward, which was disbanded in 2020 and had 16 top members banned from politics for 10 years for receiving a loan from chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.
” Maybe it’s time to prevent this cruel period”, said Mr Pita. ” I want to show to the creation, and also to the earth, that dissolving events is pointless”.
However, Move Forward would go on to its parliamentary plan, including a proposed laws to open up the$ 8.6 billion liquor industry, which is currently under the control of Boon Rawd Brewery and Thai Beverage, if it were to prevail over the impending difficulties.
ThaiBev did not respond to a request for comment soon, while Boon Rawd declined to comment.
According to Pita,” We are trying to demonopolize the wine industry,” adding that Thai farmers, such as those growing crops like corn and sugar cane, may gain from the liberalization without substantially lowering the marketplace share of incumbents.
It serves as a way to demonstrate that the Thai economy benefits both the 99 % and the top 1 %.