National —
On June 18th, 2024, the Thai Constitutional Court convened to deliberate on several high-profile cases, including the Election Commission’s (EC) petition to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP), a case involving Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Minister Pichit Chuenban, legal issues surrounding Thaksin Shinawatra, and the election of senators.
The court examined the EC’s petition to dissolve the MFP, citing allegations that the party attempted to overthrow the monarchy and democratic governance. This petition followed a February 29th, 2024, ruling that MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s proposal to amend Section 112 constituted an attempt to overthrow the government.
The EC’s request includes a 10-year ban on the party’s executive committee members from running for election or registering a new party. The court has ordered the submission of additional evidence by July 3rd, 2024, and set a hearing for July 9th, 2024.
In another significant case, the court reviewed the petition submitted by the Senate President, backed by 40 senators, challenging the qualifications of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Minister Pichit Chuenban.
The petition argued that Srettha’s appointment of Pichit violated constitutional standards due to Pichit’s previous six-month imprisonment for contempt of court.
The court dismissed the petition concerning Pichit but accepted the one regarding Srettha, requesting relevant documents within 15 days for further review on July 10th, 2024.
The court also addressed the case of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who faces charges under Section 112 or lese-majeste and the Computer Crimes Act for disseminating false information.
Lastly, the court reviewed a case challenging the constitutionality of sections 36, 40, 41, and 42 of the Organic Act on the Election of Senators.
The Constitutional Court unanimously ruled that these provisions do not contradict Section 107 of the Constitution and that the ongoing Senate election shall proceed as normal.
