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BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand’s parliament lost its first transgender MP on Wednesday (October 28) after the constitutional court revoked his seat in what critics called a political move against supporters of the kingdom’s pro-democracy movement.
Tanwarin Sukkhapisit, a former actress and filmmaker, was a pioneer in the LGBT community when she won a seat in last year’s election for the Future Forward Party.
But the party dissolved in February this year, a move that increased discontent and fueled pro-democracy activists to demand the government’s resignation.
Dozens of his MPs, including Tanwarin, joined another party, the Move Forward Party, but a judge ruled on Wednesday that, as a “shareholder of a media company,” he had violated electoral law and should leave his parliamentary seat.
“I’m not surprised, I was expecting this to happen,” Tanwarin told AFP, adding that she doesn’t think the decision is related to her gender identity.
“I will continue my work fighting for better results for the LGBT community.”
Thailand’s transgender community has a high profile, but faces discrimination in education and in the workplace in the Buddhist nation.
The country’s parliament still has three other transgender MPs remaining.
The leader of the Move Forward Party, Pita Limjaroenrat, told AFP that the ruling was disappointing, but praised her legacy.
“Even if we lose a deputy today, I think we have a national icon when it comes to freedom and gender equality.” Tanwarin is the latest victim of a law that many say the government is using as a political weapon.
“They are trying to use a legal mechanism against whoever they assume supports the (pro-democracy) movement,” said political scientist Titipol Phakdeewanich.
Nearly daily protests have rocked the Thai capital for months, as activists demand that the government resign and call for reforms from the powerful monarchy.
Earlier on Wednesday, the cabinet approved plans to establish a reconciliation committee that it said was an attempt to defuse political tensions.
But the largest opposition party, Pheu Thai, dismissed the gesture, accusing the prime minister and former army chief, Prayut Chan-o-cha, of trying to “buy time.”
“The truth is that Prayut no longer has credibility. He needs to resign,” Vice President Pichai Nariptapan said.
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