Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law Student Committee and the Thammasat University Student Council have initiated a petition urging the faculty not to invite Constitutional Court judge Udom Ratamarit back to teach as a special instructor after the Court’s recent decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP). The petition highlights concerns about the Court’s interpretation of the Constitution and other laws, leading to a decrease in trust towards the Court, the judicial system, and potentially even the monarchy. The ruling, aimed at protecting the monarchy, is seen as potentially divisive, undermining the democratic system with the King as the Head of State.
Representing Thammasat University students, the two organizations are calling for Udom’s removal based on the argument that his actions as a Constitutional Court judge do not align with the principles he teaches and do not uphold the rule of law. The student representatives are planning to submit the petition to the Faculty of Law Dean tomorrow morning.
The dissolution of the MFP, the main opposition party after the 2023 general election, by the Constitutional Court has sparked controversy. The party was accused of treason for advocating to amend the royal defamation law. As a result, the party’s executive board members are barred from participating in elections or holding positions in any political party for a decade. Former MFP members have regrouped under a new party called the People’s Party, with Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, a former MFP deputy secretary-general, appointed as the party leader.
The call for Udom Ratamarit’s removal and the aftermath of the MFP dissolution reflect growing tensions within the political landscape of Thailand. The role of the Constitutional Court, the interpretation of laws, and the protection of fundamental rights are subjects of intense debate and scrutiny. As students and activists voice their concerns and take action, the future of democracy and governance in the country hangs in the balance.
Prachatai English, an independent news outlet dedicated to reporting on underrepresented issues in Thailand, continues to face challenges in delivering unbiased and in-depth reporting. Your support through bank transfers or PayPal donations is essential to sustaining professional journalism and upholding the values of transparency and accountability in media coverage.
