The European External Action Service (EEAS), the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR), and the foreign affairs departments of at least five countries have issued statements condemning the Constitutional Court’s decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party and ban its leaders from politics for 10 years as a setback to political pluralism in Thailand.

Move Forward Party's supporters gathered at the party headquarters on Wednesday (7 August) to hear the Constitutional Court's ruling.

EEAS, the European Union’s diplomatic service, issued a statement on Wednesday (7 August) calling MFP’s dissolution “a setback for political pluralism in Thailand,” noting that the MFP was the leading party in the May 2023 general election with over 14 million votes.

“No democratic system can function without a plurality of parties and candidates. Any limitation on the exercise of free association and expression, in particular through the activities and formation of political parties, must be consistent with relevant provisions and principles of international instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” said the statement, which called on the Thai authorities to ensure that “all legitimately elected” MPs can continue to fulfil their mandates, “irrespective of the party from which they were elected.”

“The European Union stands ready to broaden its engagement with Thailand under the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed on 14 December 2022, including on issues of democratic pluralism, fundamental freedoms, and human rights,” said the statement.

The UNOHCHR, meanwhile, said that the dissolution of the MFP and the ban on its leaders was “deeply troubling and undermines democratic processes and restricts political pluralism.”

“This decision seriously impacts fundamental freedoms of expression and association, and people's right to participate in public affairs and political life in Thailand,” said UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk. “No party or politician should ever face such penalties for peacefully advocating legal reform, particularly in support of human rights."

Türk called on the Thai government to find ways “to ensure a vibrant, strong and inclusive democracy that promotes and respects the rights to freedom of expression and association.” He also asked that Thai authorities end the use of the royal defamation law to suppress criticism.

The statement noted that UN human rights mechanisms have long expressed concerns that the royal defamation law is inconsistent with Thailand’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and should be reviewed.

The US Department of State issued a statement saying that it is “deeply concerned” by the dissolution of the MFP. It also said that the decision disenfranchises the MFP’s voters, jeopardises Thailand’s democratic progress, and “runs counter to the aspirations of the Thai people for a strong, democratic future.”

“The United States does not take a position in support of any political party, but as a close ally and friend with deep and enduring ties, we urge Thailand to take actions to ensure fully inclusive political participation, and to protect democracy and the freedoms of association and expression,” said the statement.

A spokesperson of the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office said that the dissolution of the MFP, a major party in Thailand, is a setback for pluralism and freedom of speech. The spokesperson also encouraged all parties are “uphold democratic rights and representation.”

Similarly, Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian government’s international relations department, said that the dissolution of MFP and the ban on its leaders is a setback political for pluralism and disenfranchises over 14 million voters.

“Canada remains steadfast in supporting progress in inclusive political participation as an important foundation to stability and prosperity and values its long-standing relationship with Thailand,” said the statement.

The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs also released a statement on social media saying that the ruling is “a severe setback to democracy,” adding that it is important for Thailand to continue to “commit to pluralism so that all democratic parties can freely fulfil their mandates.”

The Australian government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement yesterday (8 August) saying that “Australia believes that inclusivity, pluralism and freedom of expression are key democratic principles” and that these principles are not served by MFP’s dissolution.

“As a close friend and partner, Australia encourages Thailand to ensure inclusive political participation that reflects the will of the people,” said the statement.

The Move Forward Party, the largest opposition party which emerged with the highest number of seats following the 2023 general election, was dissolved on Wednesday (7 August) after the Constitutional Court ruled that it had committed treason by campaigning to amend the royal defamation law. Its 11 executive board members, including former leader and Prime Minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat, are banned from running in elections, forming a political party, or serving as executive board members in another party for 10 years.