Opposition Leaders-MFP Will Continue 'In New Vehicle'

Wires carrying comments from leader Chaithawat Tulathon , deputy leaders, and figureheads of the now-disbanded main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP). Chaithawat: "We are not antagonising the constitutional monarchy." Says that the court's decision "sets a dangerous precedent in interpretation of the constitution"

• First Deputy leader Phicharn Chaowapattanawong says that the party has to accept 'yet another court decision to ban our party', and that 'we will not neglect our promise to people as long as the public supports us'. Claims that 'we will move to a new party on August 9', with the new party following the same liberal, pro-democracy ideology. Calls the lese-majeste law 'still problematic' but says today's court ruling 'does not prohibit change'.
• Party figurehead Pita Limjareonrat says that the 'political project continues in a new vehicle', and that 'we have no intention of treason, insurrection, or separating monarchy from the country.' The Bangkok Post reportsthat MFP is set to be absorbed by the minor Thinkakhao Chaovilai Party.
• As we noted earlier, (see 'THAILAND: Constitutional Court Dissolves Move Forward Party, Bans Party Execs From Politics', 0957BST), "Although widely expected by local observers, the verdict is a setback for the reform-oriented political movement [...]The court's decision decapitates the MFP, with senior party executives banned from politics for 10 years. This will cause organisational problems for the reformist movement...."