Thai court accepts case against 44 opposition figures over royal insult law

Thailand’s Supreme Court said on Friday (April 24, 2026) it had accepted ​a petition that accuses 44 current and former opposition lawmakers ‌of ethics violations over their attempt in ​2021 to amend a law that ⁠protects the monarchy from criticism. The 44 individuals set to go on trial from June 30 include current and former ‌members of the progressive People’s Party and its disbanded predecessor Move Forward.

If found guilty, ‌they face a maximum penalty of a ‌lifetime ban ⁠from holding office. The court said ⁠in a statement that it had decided not to suspend from duty the 10 serving lawmakers among the 44 implicated.