Thai Court Accepts Case Against 44 Lawmakers Over a Law About the King

Apr 24, 2026, 09:13
A2

Thai Court Accepts Case Against 44 Lawmakers Over a Law About the King

Introduction

Thailand''s highest court accepted a complaint. The complaint says 44 lawmakers did something wrong. They tried to change a law about the king in 2021. The court did not stop the 10 lawmakers from working. The first court meeting is on June 30.

Main Body

The 44 lawmakers were from the Move Forward Party. The Move Forward Party is now closed. They wanted to change the law about the king. They wanted to make the punishment smaller. They also wanted only the king''s office to make complaints. The bill never went to parliament. But their signatures became evidence. In 2024, another court closed the Move Forward Party. It said the plan could hurt the king and royal family. Now, 10 of the 44 lawmakers are in a new party called the People''s Party. Their names are: Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, Sirikanya Tansakun, Rangsiman Rome, Wayo Assawarungruang, Pakornwut Udompipatskul, Nattawut Buaprathum, Surachet Pravinvongvuth, Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, Teerajchai Phunthumas, and Taopiphop Limjittrakorn. The National Anti-Corruption Commission filed the complaint. The court accepted it on April 24, 2025. The court did not suspend the 10 MPs. They can work but must not talk about the case in public. No supporters came to the court. The party leader said they will fight the case. He warned about using the law to hurt political enemies. The party''s lawyer went to court. The MPs did not go because they had a party meeting. The law about the king can send people to prison for up to 15 years for each time they criticize the king. Some people say the law is used to stop political opponents. The People''s Party came second in the February election. If the court finds the 44 lawmakers guilty, they cannot be politicians again. They also cannot vote for 10 years.

Conclusion

The court''s decision is a new problem for Thailand''s opposition party. The 10 MPs will keep working while the trial continues. If they lose, they cannot be politicians again.

Vocabulary Learning

accepted
to say yes to something接受
Example:The court accepted the complaint.
changed
to make something different改變
Example:They wanted to change the law.
court
a place where judges decide about laws法庭
Example:The court will meet on June 30.
law
a rule made by the government法律
Example:The law about the king is very strict.
work
to do a job or duty工作
Example:The MPs can still work while the trial continues.

Sentence Learning

Thailand's highest court accepted a complaint.
This sentence uses the simple past tense to describe a completed action. Subject "court" + verb "accepted" + object.本句使用简单过去时描述已完成的动作。主语“court”+动词“accepted”+宾语。
The 44 lawmakers were from the Move Forward Party.
This sentence uses the verb "to be" (were) to show origin. Subject + verb "were" + prepositional phrase.本句使用动词“to be”（were）表示来源。主语+动词“were”+介词短语。
They wanted to change the law about the king.
This sentence uses "wanted to" + base verb to express a desire. Subject + verb "wanted" + infinitive phrase.本句使用“wanted to”+动词原形表达愿望。主语+动词“wanted”+不定式短语。
The court did not suspend the 10 MPs.
This sentence uses "did not" + base verb to make a negative past statement. Subject + "did not" + verb.本句使用“did not”+动词原形构成过去时否定。主语+“did not”+动词。
The first court meeting is on June 30.
This sentence uses the present tense of "to be" (is) with a time phrase. Subject + verb "is" + prepositional phrase.本句使用“to be”的现在时（is）搭配时间短语。主语+动词“is”+介词短语。
B2

Thai Supreme Court Accepts Ethics Case Against 44 Lawmakers Over Lese-Majeste Amendment; Sitting MPs Not Suspended

Introduction

Thailand''s Supreme Court has accepted a petition accusing 44 current and former opposition lawmakers of ethical violations. The case relates to a 2021 attempt to change Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese-majeste law. The court did not order the suspension of the 10 sitting members of parliament among the accused. The first hearing is scheduled for June 30.

Main Body

The case began on March 25, 2021, when 44 members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party proposed changes to Section 112. The proposed changes aimed to reduce penalties for lese-majeste offenses and make the Bureau of the Royal Household the only party that could file a complaint. The bill was never discussed in parliament, but the signatures later became evidence in legal cases. In August 2024, the Constitutional Court dissolved Move Forward, ruling that the proposal could threaten the constitutional monarchy. Its successor, the People''s Party, now includes 10 of the original 44 lawmakers, including party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, Sirikanya Tansakun, Rangsiman Rome, Wayo Assawarungruang, Pakornwut Udompipatskul, Nattawut Buaprathum, Surachet Pravinvongvuth, Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, Teerajchai Phunthumas, and Taopiphop Limjittrakorn. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) filed a petition with the Supreme Court''s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, alleging a serious breach of ethical standards. The court accepted the petition on April 24, 2025, but decided not to suspend the 10 sitting MPs from their parliamentary duties. They can continue working as long as they avoid actions or public comments related to the case. The atmosphere outside the court was quiet, with no supporters present and no barricaded media zones. People''s Party leader Natthaphong stated that the MPs would fight the case to protect the legitimacy of elected representatives under Thailand''s parliamentary system. He criticized the use of ''lawfare'' – using the law as a weapon – to strengthen power and protect special interests. He asserted that the proposal was not intended to undermine the democratic system with the King as Head of State. The party''s legal team attended the hearing, but party executives and the named MPs were absent due to the party''s annual general meeting. Section 112 carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison per offense for criticizing the monarchy. Critics have argued that the law has been misused to silence political opponents. The People''s Party finished second in the February general election to Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul''s Bhumjaithai Party. If found guilty, the 44 lawmakers face a maximum penalty of a lifetime ban from holding political office and a 10-year suspension of voting rights.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court''s acceptance of the case is the latest legal challenge for Thailand''s progressive opposition. The 10 sitting MPs will continue their parliamentary duties while the trial proceeds. A guilty verdict could lead to permanent disqualification from office.

Vocabulary Learning

dissolved
To officially end the existence of an organization or group.解散；終止
Example:In August 2024, the Constitutional Court dissolved Move Forward, ruling that the proposal could threaten the constitutional monarchy.
ethical violations
Actions that break moral or professional rules of conduct.道德違規；違反道德標準
Example:The lawmakers face accusations of ethical violations for proposing changes to the lese-majeste law.
lawfare
The strategic use of legal systems to attack or weaken an opponent.法律戰；以法律作為武器
Example:He criticized the use of 'lawfare' – using the law as a weapon – to strengthen power and protect special interests.
petition
A formal written request to an authority, often signed by many people.請願書；正式請求
Example:The Supreme Court has accepted a petition accusing 44 current and former opposition lawmakers of ethical violations.
undermine
To weaken or damage something, especially gradually or secretly.削弱；損害
Example:He asserted that the proposal was not intended to undermine the democratic system with the King as Head of State.

Sentence Learning

The proposed changes aimed to reduce penalties for lese-majeste offenses and make the Bureau of the Royal Household the only party that could file a complaint.
This sentence uses a relative clause 'that could file a complaint' to modify 'the only party', specifying which party is allowed to file a complaint. It also uses parallel structure with 'aimed to reduce... and make...' to list two objectives.呢句句子用咗關係從句 'that could file a complaint' 嚟修飾 'the only party'，指明邊個政黨可以提出投訴。同時用並列結構 'aimed to reduce... and make...' 列出兩個目標。
The bill was never discussed in parliament, but the signatures later became evidence in legal cases.
This sentence uses the passive voice 'was never discussed' to emphasize the bill itself rather than who discussed it. The linking word 'but' shows contrast between the bill not being discussed and the signatures becoming evidence.呢句句子用被動語態 'was never discussed' 嚟強調法案本身而唔係邊個討論過。連接詞 'but' 顯示對比：法案未被討論，但簽名後來成為證據。
In August 2024, the Constitutional Court dissolved Move Forward, ruling that the proposal could threaten the constitutional monarchy.
This sentence uses a participle phrase 'ruling that...' to add explanation of the court's reasoning. It shows cause and effect: the dissolution happened because the proposal could threaten the monarchy.呢句句子用分詞短語 'ruling that...' 嚟補充法院嘅理據。顯示因果關係：解散係因為提案可能威脅君主立憲制。
The court accepted the petition on April 24, 2025, but decided not to suspend the 10 sitting MPs from their parliamentary duties.
This sentence uses the linking word 'but' to contrast two actions: accepting the petition versus not suspending the MPs. It also uses the infinitive 'not to suspend' to express the decision.呢句句子用連接詞 'but' 對比兩個行動：接受請願 vs 唔暫停議員職務。用不定式 'not to suspend' 表達決定。
If found guilty, the 44 lawmakers face a maximum penalty of a lifetime ban from holding political office and a 10-year suspension of voting rights.
This sentence uses a conditional structure 'If found guilty' (passive voice with ellipsis) to introduce a condition. It then lists the consequences using parallel noun phrases.呢句句子用條件結構 'If found guilty'（被動語態省略形式）引入條件。然後用並列名詞短語列出後果。
C2

Thai Supreme Court Accepts Ethics Case Against 44 Lawmakers Over Lese-Majeste Amendment Proposal; Sitting MPs Not Suspended

Introduction

Thailand''s Supreme Court has accepted a petition accusing 44 current and former opposition lawmakers of ethical violations related to a 2021 attempt to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese-majeste law. The court did not order the suspension of the 10 sitting members of parliament among the accused. The first hearing is scheduled for June 30.

Main Body

The case originates from a proposal submitted on March 25, 2021, by 44 members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party to amend Section 112. The proposed changes sought to reduce penalties for lese-majeste offenses and designate the Bureau of the Royal Household as the sole complainant. The bill was never tabled in parliament, but the signatures later became evidence in legal proceedings. The Constitutional Court dissolved Move Forward in August 2024, ruling that the proposal could jeopardize the constitutional monarchy. Its successor, the People''s Party, now includes 10 of the original 44 lawmakers: party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, Sirikanya Tansakun, Rangsiman Rome, Wayo Assawarungruang, Pakornwut Udompipatskul, Nattawut Buaprathum, Surachet Pravinvongvuth, Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, Teerajchai Phunthumas, and Taopiphop Limjittrakorn. The National Anti-Corruption Commission filed the petition with the Supreme Court''s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, alleging a serious breach of ethical standards. The court accepted the petition on April 24, 2025, but refrained from suspending the 10 sitting MPs from their parliamentary duties, allowing them to continue working provided they avoid actions or public comments related to the cited acts. The atmosphere outside the court was subdued, with no supporters present and no barricaded media zones. People''s Party leader Natthaphong stated that the MPs would contest the case to uphold representative legitimacy under Thailand''s parliamentary system. He warned against the use of ''lawfare'' to consolidate power and protect vested interests, asserting that the endorsement of the legislative proposal was not intended to undermine the democratic system with the King as Head of State. The party''s legal team, led by lawyer Nithi La-iaddee, attended the hearing; party executives and the named MPs were absent due to the party''s annual general meeting. Section 112 carries a maximum penalty of 15 years'' imprisonment per offense for criticism of the monarchy. Critics have argued that the law has been misused to silence political opponents. The People''s Party finished second in the February general election to Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul''s Bhumjaithai Party. If found guilty, the 44 lawmakers face a maximum penalty of a lifetime ban from holding political office and a 10-year suspension of voting rights.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court''s acceptance of the case marks the latest legal challenge for Thailand''s progressive opposition. The 10 sitting MPs will continue their parliamentary duties while the trial proceeds, with a verdict potentially leading to permanent disqualification from office.

Vocabulary Learning

lawfare
The strategic use of legal systems and proceedings to achieve political or military objectives, often to harass or delegitimize opponents.法律戰（指策略性地利用法律體系和訴訟程序以達成政治或軍事目的，常用於騷擾或使對手失去合法性）
Example:He warned against the use of 'lawfare' to consolidate power and protect vested interests.
lese-majeste
An offense against the dignity or authority of a reigning sovereign, often codified as a crime of defamation or insult against a monarch or royal family.冒犯君主罪（指對在位君主尊嚴或權威的侵害，常被定為誹謗或侮辱君主及皇室的罪行）
Example:The case originates from a proposal submitted on March 25, 2021, by 44 members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party to amend Section 112, the lese-majeste law.
representative legitimacy
The moral and legal authority of elected officials to act on behalf of their constituents, derived from democratic processes and public trust.代議正當性（指民選官員基於民主程序和公眾信任而代表選民行事的道德與法律權威）
Example:People's Party leader Natthaphong stated that the MPs would contest the case to uphold representative legitimacy under Thailand's parliamentary system.
subdued
Quiet and restrained in atmosphere or behavior; lacking excitement or intensity.平靜而壓抑的（指氣氛或行為安靜、克制，缺乏興奮或強度）
Example:The atmosphere outside the court was subdued, with no supporters present and no barricaded media zones.
vested interests
Groups or individuals with a strong personal stake or financial interest in maintaining the status quo, often resisting change.既得利益（指對維持現狀有強烈個人或財務利益的群體或個人，常抵制變革）
Example:He warned against the use of 'lawfare' to consolidate power and protect vested interests.

Sentence Learning

The court accepted the petition on April 24, 2025, but refrained from suspending the 10 sitting MPs from their parliamentary duties, allowing them to continue working provided they avoid actions or public comments related to the cited acts.
Structural Analysis in English This sentence features a main clause with a contrastive conjunction "but", followed by a participial phrase "allowing them to continue working" that acts as an adverbial of result. Within this phrase, there is a conditional clause introduced by "provided" (meaning "on condition that"), which itself contains an infinitive phrase "to avoid actions or public comments related to the cited acts", where "related to the cited acts" is a reduced relative clause modifying "actions or public comments". The sentence demonstrates complex coordination and subordination.Structural Analysis in Standard Written Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong) 本句包含一個帶有對比連詞「but」的主句，其後接分詞短語「allowing them to continue working」作為結果狀語。該短語內含由「provided」（意為「在……條件下」）引導的條件從句，條件從句中又包含不定式短語「to avoid actions or public comments related to the cited acts」，其中「related to the cited acts」是修飾「actions or public comments」的縮減關係從句。句子展示了複雜的並列與從屬結構。
He warned against the use of 'lawfare' to consolidate power and protect vested interests, asserting that the endorsement of the legislative proposal was not intended to undermine the democratic system with the King as Head of State.
Structural Analysis in English The sentence begins with a main clause "He warned against the use of 'lawfare' to consolidate power and protect vested interests", where "to consolidate power and protect vested interests" is an infinitive phrase of purpose. Then a present participle phrase "asserting that..." provides additional information, introducing a noun clause "that the endorsement... was not intended to undermine the democratic system with the King as Head of State". Within that noun clause, there is a passive infinitive "to undermine" and a prepositional phrase "with the King as Head of State" acting as an adverbial. The use of "asserting" and the complex noun clause demonstrate high syntactic sophistication.Structural Analysis in Standard Written Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong) 句子以主句「He warned against the use of 'lawfare' to consolidate power and protect vested interests」開頭，其中「to consolidate power and protect vested interests」是目的不定式短語。隨後的分詞短語「asserting that...」提供補充信息，引入名詞從句「that the endorsement... was not intended to undermine the democratic system with the King as Head of State」。該名詞從句內包含被動不定式「to undermine」以及介詞短語「with the King as Head of State」作為狀語。使用「asserting」及複雜名詞從句展現了高度的句法精妙。
If found guilty, the 44 lawmakers face a maximum penalty of a lifetime ban from holding political office and a 10-year suspension of voting rights.
Structural Analysis in English This is a conditional sentence with an elliptical structure: "If found guilty" is a reduced adverbial clause (short for "If they are found guilty"). The main clause "the 44 lawmakers face a maximum penalty of a lifetime ban from holding political office and a 10-year suspension of voting rights" contains a compound object with parallel noun phrases ("a lifetime ban... and a 10-year suspension..."). The use of the reduced conditional and the formal legal phrasing ("maximum penalty", "lifetime ban", "suspension of voting rights") contributes to lexical density.Structural Analysis in Standard Written Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong) 這是一個帶有省略結構的條件句：「If found guilty」是縮減的狀語從句（完整形式為「If they are found guilty」）。主句「the 44 lawmakers face a maximum penalty of a lifetime ban from holding political office and a 10-year suspension of voting rights」包含一個並列賓語，由兩個名詞短語（「a lifetime ban...」和「a 10-year suspension...」）組成。使用縮減條件句及正式法律用語（「maximum penalty」、「lifetime ban」、「suspension of voting rights」）增加了詞彙密度。
The 10 sitting MPs will continue their parliamentary duties while the trial proceeds, with a verdict potentially leading to permanent disqualification from office.
Structural Analysis in English This sentence features a main clause "The 10 sitting MPs will continue their parliamentary duties while the trial proceeds", where "while the trial proceeds" is a subordinate clause of time. Following a comma, an absolute construction "with a verdict potentially leading to permanent disqualification from office" provides additional circumstance. The absolute structure uses "with" + noun phrase + participial phrase ("leading to..."), which is a sophisticated way to express a concomitant condition or result. The adverb "potentially" adds nuance.Structural Analysis in Standard Written Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong) 本句包含主句「The 10 sitting MPs will continue their parliamentary duties while the trial proceeds」，其中「while the trial proceeds」是時間從句。逗號後接獨立主格結構「with a verdict potentially leading to permanent disqualification from office」，提供附加情況。該獨立結構使用「with」+名詞短語+分詞短語（「leading to...」），是表達伴隨條件或結果的精妙方式。副詞「potentially」增加了細微差別。
The case originates from a proposal submitted on March 25, 2021, by 44 members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party to amend Section 112.
Structural Analysis in English The sentence begins with a main clause "The case originates from a proposal". The proposal is post-modified by a reduced relative clause "submitted on March 25, 2021, by 44 members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party to amend Section 112". This reduced clause contains a passive participle "submitted", a date, an agent phrase "by 44 members...", and an infinitive of purpose "to amend Section 112". The adjective "now-dissolved" is a compound modifier. The sentence is lexically dense with specific legal and political terminology.Structural Analysis in Standard Written Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong) 句子以主句「The case originates from a proposal」開頭。該提案後接縮減關係從句「submitted on March 25, 2021, by 44 members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party to amend Section 112」進行修飾。該縮減從句包含被動分詞「submitted」、日期、施事短語「by 44 members...」以及目的不定式「to amend Section 112」。形容詞「now-dissolved」是複合修飾語。句子因具體的法律和政治術語而詞彙密集。