Thailand’s Supreme Court said on Friday it had accepted a petition accusing 44 current and former opposition lawmakers of ethics violations over a 2021 attempt to amend the country’s law protecting the monarchy from criticism.
Those facing trial, starting on June 30, include 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.
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut leads the People’s Party and is among those to face charges.
What is Thailand’s lese-majeste law?
Thailand’s century-old lese-majeste law, known as Section 112, criminalises criticism of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his family.
It carries prison terms of up to 15 years per offence for criticism of the monarchy.
Thai monarchs remain highly respected by many in the country.
Critics say the law has been used to silence political opponents.
Thailand’s liberal opposition, after Move Forward was blocked from forming a government despite winning the 2023 election, was dissolved in 2024 over its campaign to amend the law, which bans criticism of the royal family.
The party was accused of undermining Thailand’s system of governance, in which the king is head of state.
In August 2025, a Thai court cleared former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of lese-majeste charges that had exposed him to possible prison time.