Thailand's Supreme Court on Friday accepted a petition accusing 44 current and former opposition lawmakers of ethics violations over a 2021 attempt to amend the country's strict law protecting the monarchy from criticism.

The trial, starting June 30, involves members of the progressive People's Party and its predecessor, the Move Forward Party. If found guilty, the lawmakers could face lifetime bans from holding office.

The court said it would not suspend the 10 serving lawmakers named in the case, including People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul.

Thailand's century-old lese-majeste law, known as Section 112, criminalizes criticism of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his family, carrying prison terms of up to 15 years per offense. Critics say it has been used to silence political opponents.

The liberal opposition Move Forward party, which won the 2023 election, was blocked from forming a government and then dissolved in 2024 over its campaign to amend the law. The party was accused of undermining Thailand's system of governance.

In August 2025, a Thai court cleared former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of breaching lese-majeste charges that had left him facing possible prison time.

Source: www.dw.com