Hundreds join protest against ban of opposition party in Thailand

rooster59 · February 23, 2020

Hundreds join protest against ban of opposition party in Thailand

By Chayut Setboonsarng

Thai students and supporters hold candles during a protest against a court's decision that dissolved the country's second largest opposition Future Forward party, less than a year after an election to end direct military rule, at Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand February 22, 2020. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Hundreds of students and supporters held a protest in Bangkok on Saturday against a court decision dissolving Thailand's second largest opposition party, less than a year after an election that ended direct military rule.

The Constitutional Court on Friday disbanded the upstart Future Forward Party, which won more than 6 million votes last year and came in third, for taking loans from its founder.

The court also banned 16 party executives from politics for 10 years, including its charismatic billionaire leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. The party and Thanathorn have denied any wrongdoing.

The ban strengthens the position in parliament of a coalition led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the former junta leader who first took power in a 2014 coup.

The Student Union of Thailand called a rally at Thammasat University to protest against the dissolution of Future Forward, which draws its support particularly among young voters.

"We are holding the rally against the injustice in the country," student union president Jutatip Sirikhan, 21, told Reuters.

Protesters held up the three-finger salute, inspired by the Hunger Game movies, a symbol of resistance adopted after the coup, and later lit candles in a show of defiance.

The health ministry warned against public gatherings amid concerns over the coronavirus in Thailand, which has recorded 35 cases.

"A political gathering is not appropriate at this time and could increase risk of an outbreak," health official Tanarak Pipat said. Some of the protesters wore medical masks.

Future Forward's leaders vowed to continue advocacy and political work across the country, including pushing for military reform and better welfare policies in line with their manifesto.

Pannika Wanich, a spokeswoman for Future Forward, said supporters would hold a "no confidence motion" event in Bangkok on Sunday ahead of a censure debate in parliament on Monday.

"There has been injustice against the six million voices and the country," said Pisit Iewlatanawadee, 29, at the protest.

"A group that does not derive authority from the people has destroyed our hopes," he said.

The party's dissolution was "a knockout blow for Thailand's teetering efforts to restore democratic rule after a military dictatorship," Human Rights Watch Asia director Brad Adams said in a statement.

"This decision seriously weakens the political opposition for the benefit of the military-backed ruling party and unjustly cancels the votes of over six million Future Forward Party supporters," he said.

(Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng, additional reporting by Panu Wongcha-um and Artorn Pookasook; Editing by Kim Coghill and Ros Russell)

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rooster59 · February 23, 2020

A judicial body blow to democracy

By The Nation

Shocked and defiant Future Forward Party supporters gather at the party headquarters as the Constitutional Court reads the verdict to disband the party on Friday.

The Nation Editorial: The verdict of the Constitutional Court to disband the Future Forward Party (FWP) and bar its executives from running in any election for 10 years has drawn heavy criticism from both the local and international communities.

Numerous local voters expressed their objections on social media platforms while the US Embassy in Bangkok warned that the verdict risked disenfranchising more than six million citizens who had voted for the FWP. The European Union in Brussels criticised the verdict as a setback for political pluralism.

Indeed, the severe flaw of the verdict is that the judges did not take into account the people’s right to participate in politics, or the right to freedom of expression and association.

People’s rights are a key part of a democratic landscape. The verdict has clearly deprived the rights of over six million voters who elected MPs of the FWP to represent them in Parliament. Plural political parties are also the cornerstone of democratic institutions that facilitate people to play their roles in their own community affairs. Dissolving a political party is an extreme action that could be interpreted as anti-democracy. Justifying its judgement, the court cited FWP leader Thanathorn Juanroongruangkit lending Bt191 million to the party as an illegitimate action because it was more like a donation, which is limited by law to not more than Bt10 million per donor per annum. The court said that such a money transaction had the potential to damage the level playing field among political parties. The court’s reasons are questionable given the unclear definition on the scope of legitimate funding spelled out by the Organic Act on Political Parties and a practical circumstance that political parties need funding to carry out their political activities. It is obvious that the interpretation of the law by the Constitutional Court judges has gone too far in the wrong direction as to violate the rights of both FWP executives and millions of voters. In paying excessive attention to a minor infringement, the court completely glossed over the most important issue of people’s rights.

Had the judges taken into account an open political system, the verdict would have been different.

Looking at the whole political process, there were a series of actions by the military and its conservative allies that violated the rights of the people. It started with the 2014 coup, the controversial drafting of the 2017 Constitution, the organic laws, the creation of unelected senators who could choose the prime minister, murky MPs winning seats on a counting formula employed by the Election Commission (EC) and several actions taken by the EC singling out and applying double standards in dealing with the FWP, which campaigned on a platform of restoration of democracy and reforms in the military. Those controversial actions by authorities leading up to the Constitutional Court verdict has demonstrated that the charter court is just another limb of the authoritarian body that is ready to deprive the rights of the people.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/opinion/30382650

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rooster59 · February 23, 2020

Future Forward to hold no-confidence debate against govt on Sunday

By The Nation

The Future Forward Party (FWP) has said it will hold its own version of the no-confidence debate outside Parliament on Sunday (February 23) after Friday’s ruling by the charter court to dissolve the party shut the doors of the House of Representatives to its members.

After the Constitutional Court verdict on Friday (February 21) to dissolve the party and revoke the right of its executives to contest any elections for 10 years, leaders of the party held a rally with supporters in front of the Thai Summit building on New Phetchaburi Road in Bangkok until 11pm.

Party leaders used a pickup truck, equipped with an amplifier, to address supporters.

The party’s spokeswoman, Pannika Wanich, announced that they will hold a no-confidence debate outside Parliament on Sunday.

Party secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul added that members will discuss the place and time to hold this off-site debate. “We will inform citizens later about where and when the debate will be held,” he added.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30382628

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keith101 · February 23, 2020

12 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

People’s rights are a key part of a democratic landscape. The verdict has clearly deprived the rights of over six million voters who elected MPs of the FWP to represent them in Parliament.

Very true .

4MyEgo · February 23, 2020

This really has become a sad place, for the Thai's IMO.

4MyEgo · February 23, 2020

27 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

The health ministry warned against public gatherings amid concerns over the coronavirus in Thailand, which has recorded 35 cases.

Can you believe this, yes disperse, but Chinese welcome ????

RJRS1301 · February 23, 2020

3 minutes ago, keith101 said:

People’s rights are a key part of a democratic landscape. The verdict has clearly deprived the rights of over six million voters who elected MPs of the FWP to represent them in Parliament.

The current regime appears to not understand "democracy" in any form unfortunately. It needs the millions take to the streets in all parts of Thailand simultaneously, and have peaceful sit-in protests at government offices on a rolling basis.

The populace needs to support democracy, or is that a luxury they cannot afford?

rooster59 · February 23, 2020

Thanathorn reveals his 9-year-old daughter’s plea to UN for help

By THE NATION

Banned Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit said his nine-year-old daughter had written a letter to the United Nations last month, highlighting the problems faced by her father.

After the Constitutional Court’s verdict to dissolve the party on Friday (February 22), Thanathorn spoke about the mail written by his daughter while addressing party supporters.

Thanathorn said that he had not told his nine-year-old daughter much about his political issues or problems. “However, she wrote this mail after my event at Thammasat University’s Rangsit Campus in late January,” he said, and quoted from the mail:

“Dear United Nations,

I am nine years old, and nearly ten. My name is Ari, and I am from Thailand. I am writing this email to you for my father who is fighting for his rights. There are problems in Thailand about our government. Some of the government, or several parts, have not been fair to my father.

My father has not received human rights according to Article 6, which is the right to be treated equally and fairly in the presence of the law. The problem is that my father owns the coolest political party, and they are trying to dissolve his party. I think my father has not been treated fairly, and hope you all agree with me. So, please come to help my father; he needs help.”

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30382632

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Thaiwrath · February 23, 2020

4 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

There are problems in Thailand about our government.

Understatement of the century, and that's coming from a 9 year old !

rooster59 · February 23, 2020

US issues statement on dissolution of Future Forward Party

By THE NATION

The US embassy in Thailand has raised questions on the democratic fallout of the Constitutional Court verdict on Friday to dissolve the Future Forward Party.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the embassy said: "We note the Thai Constitutional Court’s decision on February 21 ordering the dissolution of the Future Forward Party.

"The United States strongly supports democratic governance around the world, and appreciates Thailand’s recent seating of a democratically elected government. While the United States does not favor or support any particular political party in Thailand, more than six million voters chose the Future Forward Party in the March 24 elections. The decision to disband the party risks disenfranchising those voters and raises questions about their representation within Thailand’s electoral system."

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30382624

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worgeordie · February 23, 2020

Only hundreds,I think if this had of happened in lots of other

countries around the World, protests would have been much

more supported,much more.

regards Worgeordie

rooster59 · February 23, 2020

EU calls dissolution of Future Forward ‘setback for political pluralism’

By The Nation

The European Union has criticised the dissolution of "one of the main opposition parties", Future Forward, “a setback for political pluralism in Thailand”.

The party won more than 6 million votes in the March 2019 general elections, the EU statement said, in reaction to Friday’s verdict by the charter court.

“Dissolving political parties or banning Members of Parliament runs counter to the process of restoring pluralism initiated last year. Political space in Thailand should remain open. It is important that the authorities ensure that all legitimately elected Members of Parliament are able to continue fulfilling their parliamentary mandates, irrespective of the party from the list of which they were elected,” the statement said.

The European Union said it “stands ready to broaden its engagement with Thailand, including on issues of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic pluralism, as underlined by the EU Foreign Affairs Council in its Conclusions of 14 October 2019”.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30382641

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TheAppletons · February 23, 2020

Ooooh....little P is getting his even littler pee-pee whacked by the international community today.

PatOngo · February 23, 2020

43 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

less than a year after an election that ended direct military rule.

Oh! Really! Is that when democracy kicked in???

Hayduke · February 23, 2020

37 minutes ago, RJRS1301 said:

The populace needs to support democracy,

True....but it's not going to happen any time soon. It's quite obvious the rank and file 'populace' doesn't feel strongly enough about military oppression to really 'do' anything. They've never known political freedom and it's never been a part of Thai society. Now, if the court dissolved Facebook...it would be completely different...we'd be looking at a violent, full scale insurrection. The Thai people know what's important.

Edited February 23, 2020 by Hayduke

rooster59 · February 23, 2020

Sudarat voices support for Future Forward

By THE NATION

Key Pheu Thai Party leaders offered full support to the Future Forward Party after the charter court’s verdict on Friday banning the opposition outfit.

Pheu Thai chief strategist Sudarat Keyuraphan tweeted words of encouragement. “The dissolution of FWP today destroyed its body, not the unbreakable spirit in everyone’s heart. I support all FWP members, and will continue my fight against the power which has eroded our democratic form of government with the King as Head of State.”

Phumtham Wechayachai, adviser to the opposition leader, posted on his Facebook page that he was very sorry about the FWP situation and expressed his support for the party’s executives and members in this crisis.

“May everyone be encouraged, and still continue your journey to support democracy and help the people,” he said.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30382638

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PatOngo · February 23, 2020

47 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

Hundreds join protest

Not enough, they need millions! Only when they have more people than bullets will they force change and win!

Edited February 23, 2020 by PatOngo

neeray · February 23, 2020

20 minutes ago, RJRS1301 said:

The current regime appears to not understand "democracy" in any form unfortunately

I beg to differ. They fully understand the meaning of democracy but implementing true democracy does not suit their trough mongering, greedy, bullying, self-fulfilling, high-handed agenda.

Edited February 23, 2020 by neeray
word change

Liverpudlian · February 23, 2020

Change will come thru the barrell of a gun.

colinneil · February 23, 2020

Sad day for Thailand, all opposition will be crushed, not be force, but by what ever devious means that bunch of crooks can come up with.

Topdoc · February 23, 2020

Don't worry, their alignment with the totalitarians in China is looking more foolish with every passing day. BIG revolution coming!!

ChipButty · February 23, 2020

Normal stuff in Thailand is to get rid of the competition, how does the saying go? 99% of the wealth is controlled by 1% of the population

Yadon Toploy · February 23, 2020

The question I have to ask is, does the Nation media now recognise the mistake of their pro-coup stance in 2014 and in what way are they taking responsibility for creating the current situation?

franzs · February 23, 2020

Live here for 30 Years, have seen them come and go.

A big blow to democracy? What democracy?
Do you mean democracy when rich people buying their way in politics through vote buying, they promised everything just to stay in power and enrich themself.

I was really happy that the army was there to take them out, again and again.

The last 6 years were for me the most peaceful time in 30 years here, no protests of any color, red, yellow, no dead people, no burning of the city, no corruption.
There is a billionaire again, what you expect?

Democracy? Good luck!

PatOngo · February 23, 2020

37 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

I am nine years old, and nearly ten. My name is Ari, and I am from Thailand. I am writing this email to you for my father who is fighting for his rights. There are problems in Thailand about our government. Some of the government, or several parts, have not been fair to my father.

Amazing but not hard to believe! A nine year old girl has more common sense than the Constitutional Court and the ruling party!

PatOngo · February 23, 2020

10 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

Normal stuff in Thailand is to get rid of the competition, how does the saying go? 99% of the wealth is controlled by 1% of the population

It's actually 1% control 66% of the wealth in Thailand. Disgusting still the same!

Assurancetourix · February 23, 2020

30 minutes ago, PatOngo said:

Not enough, they need millions! Only when they have more people than bullets will they force change and win!

I think things will quickly change because the USA, which until now has been the real support of the power in place since 1932, is in the process of releasing it;

with the parenthesis 1939-1945 when Thailand was the ally of Japan; although ..Seri-Thai, the resistance against the Japanese was created by the ambassador of Thailand in Washington with not only the downstream but also the logistical support of the USA .

They certainly should have done it earlier before China became strong.
They are going to suffocate Thailand economically and as it cannot count on China which is struggling desperately against the Covid-19, things will move and this, I hope , without bloodshed.
As more, FFF has at least moral support from Pheu Thai, the power in place will soon prepare its bags;
it remains to be seen whether Germany will accept a certain political refuge at home ...

Edited February 23, 2020 by Assurancetourix

PatOngo · February 23, 2020

19 minutes ago, Topdoc said:

Don't worry, their alignment with the totalitarians in China is looking more foolish with every passing day. BIG revolution coming!!

Only when proactive people outnumber bullets!

sammieuk1 · February 23, 2020

When corruption gets laid bare in full view of the worlds spotlight it's very ugly indeed here a constitutional court of shame bought out by fakes ????

JustAnotherHun · February 23, 2020

18 minutes ago, franzs said:

I was really happy that the army was there to take them out, again and again. The last 6 years were for me the most peaceful time in 30 years here, no protests of any color, red, yellow, no dead people, no burning of the city,

Yess, so peaceful. But hey, North Korea is even more "peaceful". No protests there. You would like it, I guess.

no corruption.

Ahh, now I understand. You're kidding.

Hundreds join protest against ban of opposition party in Thailand

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