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Move Forward Party

All articles tagged with #move forward party

politics1 year ago

"Thai Court Halts Move Forward Party's Efforts to Reform Lese-Majesty Law"

Thailand's constitutional court has ruled that the Move Forward party's pledge to reform the lese-majesty law is unlawful, ordering the party and its leader to cease all efforts to change the law. The court's ruling comes amid ongoing crackdowns on criticism of the royal family, with more than 260 people prosecuted under the law. The Move Forward party, which won the most votes in last year's election, has been blocked from taking power by unelected senators. The ruling has been criticized by human rights advocates as stifling momentum for monarchy reform and creating a climate of fear in the country.

politics1 year ago

"Thai Court Orders Election Winners to Halt Royal Insults Law Reform Efforts"

Thailand's Constitutional Court has ruled that the Move Forward Party violated the constitution with its plans to change a law against insulting the monarchy, stating that the campaign was a veiled effort to undermine the powerful crown. The party's proposal to amend article 112 of the criminal code, which carries penalties of up to 15 years in jail for insulting the royal family, has sparked controversy and legal challenges. The court's verdict is expected to trigger further legal efforts to seek the party's dissolution and political bans for its leaders, highlighting the ongoing power struggle between royalists, military, and progressive parties in Thailand.

politics1 year ago

"Thai Court Orders Election-Winning Party to Halt Royal Reform Campaign, Ruling Against Change"

Thailand's Constitutional Court has ordered the Move Forward Party, which won the most seats in the 2023 election, to cease its campaign to amend the strict royal defamation law, ruling that it violated the constitution and aimed to overthrow the monarchy. This decision is seen as a setback for the country's reform movement and could lead to further prosecutions and potential dissolution of the party. The ruling effectively makes amending the lese majeste law nearly impossible, sparking concerns about freedom of expression and the monarchy's role in Thailand's constitutional order.

politics2 years ago

"Thai Reformist Leader Pita Cleared of Election Law Violations"

Thailand's reformist leader Pita Limjaroenrat has overcome the first court hurdle and will be reinstated as an MP after being cleared of breaking candidate rules. The charismatic leader and his Move Forward party, seen as a threat to the establishment, have faced legal challenges aimed at ending his political career. While acquitted in the first case, a potentially more serious legal challenge regarding his plan to reform Thailand's lese majeste law looms. The court's ruling on this could lead to the party's dissolution and its leadership being banned from politics. Pita's supporters cheered the verdict, and he remains committed to fighting for the reforms promised by his party, including amending the lese majeste law and limiting military influence in politics and business.

politics2 years ago

Thai MP Receives Six-Year Sentence for Insulting Monarchy

Thai MP Rukchanok Srinork, a member of the Move Forward Party, has been sentenced to six years in prison for posting defamatory remarks about the monarchy on social media. She was convicted under Thailand's strict lese-majeste law and the Computer Crimes Act. Srinork denies the charges and has applied for bail. If her appeal is unsuccessful, she may face disqualification as a member of parliament. Critics argue that the lese-majeste law has been used to suppress dissent, and there has been a surge in charges since pro-democracy protests in 2020. At least 262 people have been charged with insulting the monarchy since then.

politics2 years ago

Progressive Thai Lawmaker Receives 6-Year Sentence for Monarchy Insult

Rukchanok Srinork, a recently elected lawmaker in Thailand, has been sentenced to six years in prison for defaming the monarchy under the controversial lese majeste law. She was charged over two social media posts, including a tweet about the monarchy's links to a coronavirus vaccine and a retweet of an anti-monarchy quote. Rukchanok, a member of the opposition Move Forward Party, has denied posting the tweets and has appealed the sentence. Critics argue that the lese majeste law is often used to suppress political dissent in Thailand.

politics2 years ago

Pita Limjaroenrat Steps Down as Leader of Thailand's Move Forward Party

Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Thailand's Move Forward Party (MFP), has resigned from his position. The 43-year-old, who won the most votes in the May election but was blocked from taking power, is currently suspended from his MP duties pending a court ruling on whether he violated election law. As a result, he cannot serve as parliament's opposition leader. Pita's resignation allows the MFP to appoint a new member to take up the important role. The party will select its new leaders on September 23. Despite stepping down, Pita will remain involved in the party's activities.

politics2 years ago

"Thaksin's Comeback Solidifies Thai Political Deal"

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who had been in exile for 15 years, returned to Thailand and was immediately taken to a civilian hospital due to a heart condition. His return is part of a grand political bargain aimed at ending the power struggle between his populist Pheu Thai party and conservative groups aligned with the military and monarchy. The new government, formed by a coalition that includes former adversaries of Thaksin, does not include the party that won the most seats in the election, leading to disappointment among voters. The government is expected to prioritize the economy, but holding the coalition together may prove challenging. The progressive Move Forward party, which gained significant support in the election, will serve as the opposition and aims to highlight the shortcomings of the new government.

politics2 years ago

"Thai Parliament Denies Party Leader's Renomination for Prime Minister Post"

The Thai Parliament has blocked Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the progressive Move Forward Party, from being renominated for the position of prime minister. Pita's nomination was defeated in a joint vote of the House and Senate last week, and a motion to deny him a second chance was passed by Parliament. Additionally, the Constitutional Court has suspended him from Parliament pending its ruling on whether he violated election law. Pita's party has pledged to amend a law that makes it illegal to defame Thailand's royal family, and seeks to reduce the influence of the military and big business monopolies.

politics2 years ago

Thailand's Pita Faces Uphill Battle in Bid for Prime Minister

Thailand's Constitutional Court has temporarily suspended Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party, as a lawmaker, just as parliament convened for a vote on his candidacy for prime minister. The court accepted a case alleging that Pita was unqualified to run due to his ownership of shares in a media company, violating electoral rules. Pita, who lost his initial bid for premiership last week, needs the support of over half of the parliament to become the next prime minister. However, he faces resistance from rivals and a military-appointed Senate. Despite the court's decision, Pita's party claims it will not impact his candidacy.

politics2 years ago

Thai High Court Suspends Prime Minister Candidate Pita Amid Election Law Controversy

Thailand's Constitutional Court has suspended Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, a top candidate for prime minister, pending its ruling on whether he violated election law. Pita's party won the most seats in the May general election but failed to secure enough support from the Senate to confirm him as prime minister. The court's decision puts pressure on Pita to make way for another candidate. His party campaigned for reforms that would reduce the influence of the military and challenge laws protecting the royal family. Pita has vowed to stand for prime minister again but said he would allow a candidate from another party in his coalition to try if he fails to gain substantial support.

politics2 years ago

"Thailand's Future Hangs in the Balance as Parliament Prepares to Choose New Prime Minister"

Thailand's Parliament is set to vote for a new prime minister, and the hopes of the country's young and urban population are at stake. The progressive opposition party, Move Forward, led by Pita Limjaroenrat, gained a majority of seats in Parliament after years of military rule. However, their slim majority has forced them into a coalition with other parties, making their ambitious reform agenda vulnerable. The choice of the House speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, indicates the influence of the Pheu Thai Party, which presents less of a threat to the establishment. Limjaroenrat faces barriers to becoming prime minister, including the need for additional votes from the Senate, which is appointed by the military. Even if Move Forward succeeds, they will face obstacles from the Senate and Pheu Thai. The emergence of Move Forward represents a break from the influence of Thaksin Shinawatra, but the issue of the monarchy remains central to Thai politics.

politics2 years ago

"Unmasking Thailand's Political Generation Gap in Elections"

Thailand's Parliament is set to vote for a new prime minister, and the hopes of the country's young and urban population are at stake. The progressive opposition party, Move Forward, led by 42-year-old Pita Limjaroenrat, gained a majority of seats in Parliament after years of military rule. However, their slim majority has forced them into a coalition with other parties, making their ambitious reform agenda vulnerable. The choice of the "new" speaker of the House of Representatives, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, indicates the influence of the Pheu Thai Party, which could hinder Move Forward's chances of forming the government. Additionally, Limjaroenrat faces challenges in securing the necessary votes from the Senate, which is appointed by the military. Even if Move Forward manages to lead the government, they will face obstacles from the Senate and Pheu Thai. Nevertheless, the party's unexpected victory in May reflects a desire for change and reform among the Thai people, particularly the younger generation.

politics2 years ago

Thai Election Results Certified, Parliament to Convene Soon

Thailand's election commission has endorsed the results of last month's election, paving the way for the first session of parliament in the next few weeks ahead of the formation of a new government. The progressive Move Forward party pulled off a stunning victory in the May 14 ballot, closely followed by the populist Pheu Thai party, as the opposition thrashed rivals allied with the royalist military after nine years of government led or backed by the army. The opposition has formed an eight-party alliance that is expected to back Move Forward's Harvard-educated leader Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister and form a coalition government likely next month.

politics2 years ago

Thai opposition coalition prioritizes ambitious reforms over royal insult law.

An alliance led by Thailand's progressive Move Forward party signed an agreement to draft a new constitution, end monopolies, and allow same-sex marriage, among other aims, but made no mention of a divisive royal insult law. The opposition Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties dominated last week's election and are seeking to form a coalition government with six other parties. The alliance's agreement includes most of Move Forward's flagship policies, such as a push for decentralization of power and budget and to "cancel monopolies and support fair competition in trade in all industries".