Thailand’s Constitutional Court ordered the progressive Move Forward Party’s (MFP) dissolution on Wednesday based on the party’s proposal to amend the country’s controversial lèse-majesté law.

The lèse-majesté law, enshrined in section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code, imposes severe penalties for defaming, insulting, or threatening the Thai monarchy. The MFP proposed amending this law and defended itself against an Election Commission petition to dissolve the party. The Constitutional Court ruled that this proposal violated the Thai constitution, which mandates protection for the monarchy.

In the 2023 general elections, the MFP won the most seats in the House of Representatives. However, the party could not form a government due to opposition from other factions within the political establishment.

Amnesty International criticized the court’s decision, stating that it represents the authorities’ complete disregard for Thailand’s international human rights obligations. The organization called for its repeal or amendment to align with international human rights standards.

Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International senior director, stated:

Dissolving the party merely for advocating legal reforms constitutes a serious violation of the rights to freedom of expression and association against lawmakers who were simply performing their duty of proposing laws. The authorities’ relentless harassment of the political opposition represents a stark contradiction as Thailand has publicly committed to global leadership on human rights by applying for a seat at the UN Human Rights Council.

The MFP expressed disappointment with the court’s decision but reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating for its principles and objectives. The party leaders vowed to continue their advocacy for political reform and human rights through other means.

The party announced that its remaining 143 lawmakers will form a new party.