Thailand’s anti-corruption body opens new probe into embattled Move Forward party

Among the 44 party members under investigation are 25 current lawmakers of Move Forward’s latest incarnation, the People’s Party

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Supporters at the Move Forward party headquarters in Bangkok. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:25pm, 30 Aug 2024

Thailand’s anti-corruption body on Friday said it was investigating 44 members of the disbanded Move Forward party, following a complaint seeking their lifetime bans from politics for backing legislation aimed at amending a law against royal insults.

It comes less than a month after a court ordered the dissolution of the popular Move Forward, the surprise winners of last year’s election, over its campaign pledge to amend the law, which shields the powerful crown from criticism.

Among the 44 under investigation are 25 current lawmakers of the People’s Party, Move Forward’s latest incarnation and the largest party in parliament.

Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, or article 112 of the criminal code, is among the strictest of its kind in the world and carries punishments of up to 15 years in jail for each perceived insult of the royal family. Critics of the law say it has been misused for political purposes to stifle opposition.

Former members of Thailand’s disbanded Move Forward party attend a meeting to discuss the formation of its new party and vote for a new party leader, in Bangkok. Photo: Reuters

The National Anti-Corruption Commission, which has a broad remit that goes beyond corruption, said no charges had yet been filed and not all 44 would be summoned.

“We have started calling relevant individuals to hear the facts,” its deputy secretary general Sarote Phuengrampan told Reuters.