Thailand’s Supreme Court said Friday it has accepted a petition accusing 44 current and former opposition lawmakers of ethics violations in a 2021 effort to amend the country’s law protecting the monarchy from criticism.
Those facing trial starting on June 30 include members of the Progressive People’s Party and its predecessor, the Move Forward Party.
If found guilty, the MLAs could face a lifetime ban from holding office.
The court said it would not suspend 10 serving lawmakers named in the case, including People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyavut and deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul.
What is Thailand’s lèse-majesté law?
Thailand’s strict centuries-old lèse-majesté law, known as Section 112, criminalizes criticism of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his family.
It provides for a prison sentence of up to 15 years per offense for criticism of the monarchy.
Thai kings are still highly respected by many people across the country.
Critics say it has been used to silence political opponents.
Thailand’s liberal opposition was blocked from forming a government despite winning the 2023 election after Move Forward then disbanded in 2024 over its campaign to amend the law that bans any criticism of the royal family.
The party has been accused of undermining Thailand’s system of governance, in which the king is the head of state.
In August 2025, a Thai court acquitted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of violating lèse-majesté law charges, which had left him facing a possible prison sentence.