On November 22, 2024, Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled by a 7-2 majority to reject a petition filed by Mr. Teerayuth Suwankesorn. The petition alleged that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party had acted to undermine Thailand’s constitutional monarchy under six specific claims.

Background and Allegations

The petitioner accused Mr. Thaksin and Pheu Thai of the following:

  1. Influencing government agencies to provide preferential treatment, allowing Mr. Thaksin to reside in a police hospital instead of prison.
  2. Negotiating with Cambodia to share maritime resources at Thailand's expense.
  3. Cooperating with other political groups previously deemed anti-monarchy to amend the constitution.
  4. Interfering in government coalition negotiations to appoint a new prime minister.
  5. Directing Pheu Thai to remove certain political parties from the coalition.
  6. Implementing Mr. Thaksin’s personal policies as the government’s official stance.

Court’s Decision

After a special meeting, the Constitutional Court determined:

  • The evidence for allegations 1 and 3–6 lacked sufficient weight to prove intent or actions aimed at undermining the democratic system with the King as Head of State, as defined in Section 49 of the Constitution.
  • For allegation 2, the court ruled by a 7-2 majority that the claims did not meet constitutional criteria for further consideration.

The court emphasized that claims under Section 49 require clear and substantial evidence demonstrating ongoing or imminent actions threatening the monarchy or democratic governance. As the evidence failed to meet these standards, the petition was dismissed.