Thailand’s lese majeste law, also known as Article 112 of the Criminal Code, has long stirred heated debates. Recently, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, reaffirmed his commitment to reforming the law, while making it clear that any changes must align with the rulings of the Constitutional Court. His stance has sparked both support and criticism across the political spectrum.
What Natthaphong Said
Speaking at a press briefing, Natthaphong explained that Article 112 continues to create legal and social challenges. In a past interview, he emphasized: the monarchy should remain a respected institution, but the law must be modernized so that it reflects Thailand’s place in today’s world. Importantly, he stressed reforms must respect court interpretations to avoid accusations of undermining the monarchy.
| Key Point | Natthaphong’s Position |
|---|---|
| Article 112 Issues | Still problematic for Thai society |
| Monarchy’s Role | Must remain above politics |
| Reform Path | Must follow Constitutional Court rulings |
| Party’s Goal | Legal modernization without undermining traditions |
Lessons from the Past
This isn’t the first time a party has pushed for reform. The Move Forward Party, the People’s Party’s predecessor, was dissolved in 2023 after the court ruled their proposed changes to Article 112 were a threat to the monarchy and national security. Some leaders were banned from politics for a decade, while others face potential lifetime bans. Natthaphong acknowledged these risks, admitting that “legal warfare” could again come into play.
Why It Matters Today
The debate around lese majeste laws isn’t just about politics it’s about Thailand’s future identity. For many citizens, it’s a balancing act: respecting tradition while adapting to global democratic standards. Natthaphong insists his stance isn’t about weakening the monarchy but about making laws fairer, clearer, and more accepted in modern times.
Conclusion
The push to reform Article 112 is far from settled. Natthaphong’s People’s Party is treading carefully, aiming to make changes without crossing legal red lines. Whether this approach will succeed or repeat past setbacks remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the conversation about lese majeste law is not going away anytime soon.