Implementing changes to the law would be difficult, however, given that Move Forward does not have a majority government, he added. An issue that “was once a taboo has now become mainstream”, he said. Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a professor and monarchy critic who lives in exile, described the election results as a “big turning point in Thailand’s political landscape”. Young protesters have often been bailed out by Move Forward’s politicians, and some even became candidates with the party in this election – and won seats. More than 240 people have since been charged with lese-majesty offences ranging from political speeches and Facebook posts to wearing fancy dress.

It follows an unprecedented youth movement that took to the streets in 2020 to challenge that law and to call for the royal budget to be reduced and its political influence curbed. Saying anything deemed critical or offensive to the king, even in satire, can result in up to 15 years in prison.īut for the first time, the lese-majesty law was discussed substantially by political parties in the run-up to an election, and Move Forward, which won the popular vote, is the only party that committed to reforming the law. According to the constitution, the monarchy is enshrined to be held in “revered worship”, and it is shielded from criticism by one of the world’s strictest lese-majesty laws.

Among us sex