Resilient Thai Opposition Moves Forward with New Political Venture

Thailand’s disbanded opposition party, Move Forward, has launched a new political entity to continue its reformist agenda. Led by Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the party aims to amend controversial laws protecting the monarchy. Despite being dissolved by the Constitutional Court, the party remains a potent force challenging Thailand’s conservative establishment.

The recently disbanded Thai opposition group, Move Forward, has introduced a new political entity, promising to become the largest party in parliament. The new party aims to advance reforms, including amending controversial laws protecting the monarchy from criticism. This announcement comes after the Constitutional Court dissolved Move Forward earlier this week, citing risks to the constitutional monarchy.

All 143 surviving lawmakers have joined the new party, led by Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, a 37-year-old former cloud software executive. Natthaphong, who played a key role in the digital campaign that garnered substantial youth and urban support, pledged to uphold Move Forward's ideology and aims to create a government for change in 2027.

The disbandment of Move Forward, criticized by major Western countries, continues a two-decade power struggle between Thailand's conservative establishment and political parties with broad appeal. Although the party's campaign to amend the lese-majeste law led to its dissolution, Natthaphong emphasized the new party would cautiously revive this effort. The People's Party, the latest iteration of Future Forward, faces staunch opposition but remains a significant force in Thai politics.

(With inputs from agencies.)