Thailand's Constitutional Court on August 7th dissolved the Move Forward Party, the progressive group that won the most seats in last year's election, over its proposal to amend the country's strict lese-majeste law, according to a report by DW News.

The party's charismatic leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, and other senior officials were also banned from politics for a decade. The court ruled that Move Forward's stance on the law, which protects the monarchy from criticism, constituted a threat to the monarchy.

The party had previously dropped the proposal after facing intense pressure, but the Election Commission continued its push for dissolution. Move Forward, which had campaigned on a platform of economic reform and democratic overhaul, had faced fierce opposition from the military and royalist establishment. The party's victory in the 2023 election was seen as a challenge to the kingdom's traditional power structures.

Despite winning the most seats, Move Forward was unable to form a government due to opposition from conservative parties and the military-appointed Senate. The court's decision is the latest blow to Thailand's democratic aspirations and comes amid growing political instability. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, from the populist Pheu Thai party, is also facing a court case that could lead to his dismissal.

The case against Thavisin was brought by 40 military-appointed senators, a reminder of the military's enduring influence over Thai politics. While 143 former Move Forward members will retain their parliamentary seats, the party's dissolution is a significant setback for the pro-democracy movement in Thailand.