Thailand’s Supreme Court has announced that 44 current and former opposition lawmakers will stand trial over an attempt to amend the country’s strict royal insult law, marking another setback for the nation’s progressive political movement.
The group, which includes serving and former members of the People’s Party and its dissolved predecessor Move Forward, is scheduled to face proceedings beginning June 30. If found guilty of alleged ethics violations, they could face lifetime bans from holding political office.
The case centres on a parliamentary push in 2021 by Move Forward to amend the lese-majeste law, which critics say has been used to silence political dissent. The law remains one of the harshest of its kind globally, carrying penalties of up to 15 years in prison per offence.
Thailand’s constitution places the monarchy in a highly revered position, and any perceived challenge to its status has historically faced strong resistance from conservative and royalist factions.
The 44 individuals facing trial include People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, several deputy leaders, and former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, who is already under a separate 10-year political ban.
In response to the court’s decision, Natthaphong said the party would continue its legal battle “to the fullest extent” to defend parliamentary democracy and the legitimacy of elected representation.
Move Forward, which gained significant support from younger and urban voters in the 2023 general election, was ultimately blocked from forming a government by military-aligned lawmakers despite winning the most seats.
The party was later dissolved following a 2024 court ruling that its attempt to amend the lese-majeste law was unconstitutional. Its members subsequently regrouped under the People’s Party banner.
The latest case was initiated following a petition by Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission. The Supreme Court confirmed that serving lawmakers among the accused will not be suspended during proceedings.
Despite strong public support in opinion polls, the People’s Party finished as runner-up in the most recent general election, losing to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party.
