Thailand’s Supreme Court said on Friday that 44 current and former opposition lawmakers will go on trial over an attempt to amend a law that protects the monarchy from criticism, in another blow to the country’s progressive movement. The 44 facing trial from June 30 for alleged ethics violations include serving and former lawmakers of the People’s Party and its disbanded predecessor Move Forward, who each face the maximum penalty of a lifetime ban from office if found guilty. Hundreds of people have been prosecuted in recent years under Thailand’s lese-majeste law, which is among the strictest of its kind in the world, with punishments of up to 15 years in prison for offenders. On the back of massive anti-government, youth-led street protests that included calls for the reform of the monarchy, Move Forward tried to amend the law in parliament in 2021, arguing it had been misused to stifle political opponents.

Full report : Dozens of Thai opposition figures to go on trial over bid to amend royal insult law.