“BANGKOK: “Thai Politician ‘Confident’ Despite Possible Ban”, A prominent Thai politician, who faces a potential decade-long ban for challenging royal defamation laws, expressed ‘high confidence’ in a favorable ruling from Thailand’s top court. The decision is anticipated on Wednesday (Aug 7), and could significantly impact the political landscape.”
Pita Limjaroenrat, who led the progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) to a shock first-place finish in a general election in May last year, made the comments ahead of a decision by the Constitutional Court in Bangkok on whether to dissolve his party over its pledge to reform the royal insult laws.
“We are highly confident in the facts we presented and the argument about the illegality of the process conducted by the Election Commission,” he told AFP ahead of the ruling due at 3pm (4pm, Singapore time) on Wednesday.
“We hope the court will take these into serious consideration and believe that the rule of law exists in Thailand.”
The 43-year-old former businessman appeared in parliament on Wednesday morning in high spirits, telling lawmakers he had faith in the kingdom’s legal process.
But it could be his last appearance in parliament for a while if the court rules against him.
“Pita Limjaroenrat’s popularity surged ahead of last year’s election as he resonated with young and urban voters through his pledge to reform Thailand’s strict royal defamation law. Rights groups have criticized the law for being misused to suppress political debate.”
Lese-majeste charges are extremely serious in Thailand, where King Maha Vajiralongkorn enjoys a quasi-divine status that places him above the political fray.
New York-based Human Rights Watch says the royal law has been routinely used to silence political dissent.
