Expressions on amending monarchy laws 'effectively banned' in Thailand

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – The top court in Thailand has “effectively banned” all speeches, writings and expressions on amending laws regarding monarchy, the Southeast Asian nation's public broadcaster reported Wednesday.

“Constitutional Court has effectively banned all speeches, writings and expression of views supporting amending of Article 112,” Thai Public Broadcasting Service reported, referring to lese majeste law.

The law relates to the constitutional monarchy in the Buddhist-majority nation.

Ban on any expression related to the monarchy came after the court ruled that the opposition Move Forward Party and its former leader Pita Limjaroenrat “attempted to overthrow the constitutional monarchy by campaigning” during elections to amend the lese majeste law.

The court ordered the party to cease all such activities.

The broadcaster added that the constitutional court’s decision "potentially paves way for petition by Election Commission to seek disbanding of Move Forward under Article 92 of Political Parties Act."

Today’s detailed ruling came a week after the top court cleared Pita of charges which alleged that the former party chief violated the country’s constitution including the electoral law by holding media shares while running for prime minister’s office.

He was subsequently re-instated as a lawmaker.