US Senator Ben Cardin, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent a letter to Thai Foreign Mnister Maris Sangiampongsa raising concerns about the potential dissolution of the Move Forward Party, which could disenfranchise millions of voters and undermine Thailand's commitment to democracy and human rights.
Pita Limjaroenrat, former Move Forward Party leader, speaking to the party's supporters during its final campaign event before the May 2023 general election.
On Friday (2 August), US Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent a letter to Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa of the Royal Thai Government to express concern for recent political developments in Thailand, including the potential dissolution of the democratically elected Move Forward Party. Chair Cardin urged the Royal Thai Government to uphold our shared values – which have long been the cornerstone of the U.S.-Thailand partnership – by navigating this period with a commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
“The 2023 election saw an unprecedented turnout, with over 39 million Thai citizens casting their votes in the largest democratic exercise in your country’s history,” wrote Chair Cardin. “The Move Forward Party secured a significant victory, reflecting the will and voices of over 14 million Thais. Despite this clear mandate, Move Forward Party was unable to form a government and the Election Commission has submitted a petition to dissolve the Party.”
“If the Move Forward Party is dissolved, this decision will effectively disenfranchise millions of voters who called for progressive change and democratic reform,” wrote Chair Cardin. “This action threatens to undermine Thailand’s commitment to democracy and human rights, shared values that have anchored our bilateral partnership for over 190 years.”
The full text of the letter reads:
I write to express my deep concern regarding the current political developments in Thailand, particularly the legal challenges facing the Move Forward Party.
The 2023 election saw an unprecedented turnout, with over 39 million Thai citizens casting their votes in the largest democratic exercise in your country’s history. The Move Forward Party (MFP) secured a significant victory, reflecting the will and voices of over 14 million Thais. Despite this clear mandate, MFP was unable to form a government and the Election Commission has submitted a petition to dissolve the Party. I have been alarmed over the apparent lack of due process and transparency in these proceedings. If the MFP is dissolved, this decision will effectively disenfranchise millions of voters who called for progressive change and democratic reform. This action threatens to undermine Thailand’s commitment to democracy and human rights, shared values that have anchored our bilateral partnership for over 190 years.
Our two countries have a long-standing and valued partnership that has at its core a shared commitment to promote peace and democratic principles, in the region and globally. I urge the Thai government to respect the will of its people and uphold the democratic values that have long been the foundation of our enduring alliance. I sincerely hope that Thailand will navigate this period with a steadfast commitment to democracy and the rule of law, ensuring that the voices of its people are heard and respected. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
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