Thailand’s poll body asks court to disband Move Forward party, which won most seats in last year’s election

MFP upended Thailand’s political order in May’s election, scoring the most votes after a campaign promising reform of the military, the kingdom’s business monopolies and to amend strict lèse-majesté laws.

Their anti-establishment platform included a proposal to amend article 112 of the criminal code, which carries punishment of up to 15 years jail for each perceived insult of the royal family.

But their audacious bid – which shocked the Thai establishment – ended with them locked out of government following months of political wrangling.

Despite winning most seats, MFP was excluded from the coalition that formed the government, and then-leader Pita Limjaroenrat was blocked from becoming prime minister.

Thailand’s monarchy is enshrined in the constitution to be held in a position of “revered worship.”

Thailand has a history of political parties being wound up by judicial intervention.

Move Forward’s predecessor, Future Forward, had championed similar policies and was disbanded by the Constitutional Court in 2020 for violating campaign funding rules.