The progressive Move Forward party in Thailand stated on Friday, May 19, that prospective coalition partners do not have to agree with its contentious position on changing the royal insult law as it looks to secure the support of other parties to form a government.
In this week’s election, Move Forward, led by Pita Limjaroenrat, garnered the support of young voters by winning the most seats in the lower house and pushing for the repeal of restrictive lese-majeste laws like Article 112 of the Criminal Code and the elimination of economic monopolies.On a morning talk show, prominent Move Forward party member Sirikanya Tansakun said, “We are ready to include 112 if parties agree with us, but it is not a requirement for entering the government. The party will table the change in parliament independently.
On Monday, it’s anticipated that a coalition agreement will be revealed.
For alleged offenses against the monarchy, which many Thais regard as sacred, the lese-majeste statute imposes sentences of up to 15 years in prison. However, critics claim that since 200 people have been accused of violating the rule in recent years, it is being used to quell dissent.
Move Forward seeks to change the law to shorten jail sentences and limit complainants to the Royal Household Bureau.
The 750-seat bicameral legislature has approved Move Forward’s eight-party coalition negotiations with 313 votes, but in order to form a government, the coalition will require the support of either the unelected, pro-conservative senate or other parties.
The third-place finisher Bhumjaithai party, which controls a significant vote group, declared that it would not back any prime minister who would change the lese-majeste law.Analysts believe that not imposing its lese-majeste stance on other parties may increase support.
According to political scientist Wanwichit Boonprong of Rangsit University, “they have significantly slowed down on this issue, which lessens the pressure on the government parties to support the coalition.”
The use of cannabis, which was legalized last year without accompanying rules, caused a boom in recreational usage that infuriated conservatives. This was another contentious issue.
Before implementing a legal framework allowing for medical and controlled recreational use, Move Forward claimed it would re-criminalize the drug.Parit Wacharasindhu, a recently elected MP for Move Forward, said, “We favor medical marijuana, and recreational usage must be regulated.
