National —
At 6:10 PM on August 8th, 2024, Chaithawat Tulathon, former leader of the Move Forward Party, and Pita Limjaroenrat, former chief advisor, held a public speech with the party’s executive committee and MPs after the Constitutional Court ruled to dissolve the party.
Pita addressed the public, stating, “Today, I bid farewell as a politician, representative, and the top prime minister candidate. I return as a citizen, fighting alongside you all. Though they may remove me from the government, they cannot remove me from the hearts of the people. Thailand will never be the same.”
He continued, “We can be sad today, but tomorrow we move forward for the best government Thailand has ever had. We cannot become complacent with such injustices. These are tears of joy, knowing we gave it our all.”
Pita urged the public not to accept a system where coup-makers become ministers while elected leaders are banned. “By 2027, we must secure at least 270 seats. Then, we will ensure no party is dissolved again, and no more coups. Ultimate power belongs to the people.”
Sirikanya Tansakul, former deputy leader of the Move Forward Party, spoke about the future of their MPs, acknowledging the pain and unfairness but reaffirming their commitment to their mission. “As long as the people stand with us, we will continue our work to change this country.”
“On August 9th, we move to our new home together. We ask for your continued support,” Sirikanya added. She noted the irony of the dissolution on the day the party reached 100,000 members, urging all to join them in their new endeavor.
Regarding the new party, she emphasized that their ideology remains unchanged. “Our new party, regardless of its name, will carry on the mission of the Move Forward Party. We adapt and evolve, but our core principles stay the same.”
Furthermore, Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the United States Department of State, issued an official statement regarding the dissolution of the MFP:
The United States is deeply concerned by Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruling today ordering the dissolution of the Move Forward Party and the banning of 11 of its leaders from politics.
This decision disenfranchises the more than 14 million Thais who voted for the Move Forward Party in the May 2023 election and raises questions about their representation within Thailand’s electoral system. The Constitutional Court’s decision also jeopardizes Thailand’s democratic progress and runs counter to the aspirations of the Thai people for a strong, democratic future.
Inclusive political participation strengthens social cohesion and is a critical component of resilient national institutions. The United States does not take a position in support of any political party, but as a close ally and friend with deep and enduring ties, we urge Thailand to take actions to ensure fully inclusive political participation, and to protect democracy and the freedoms of association and expression.
