The case targets members of the progressive People’s Party and its dissolved predecessor Move Forward Party, who in 2021 sought changes to legislation that protects the monarchy from criticism. The court said proceedings would begin on June 30 and confirmed that 10 serving lawmakers among the accused would not be suspended pending trial.

Thailand’s lese-majeste law is among the strictest globally, carrying penalties of up to 15 years in prison per offense. Critics, including members of the opposition, have argued that the law has been used to suppress dissent and political opposition.

The court’s move marks the latest setback for Thailand’s liberal, anti-establishment bloc, which has faced a series of judicial rulings in recent years. In early 2024, a court ruled that efforts by Move Forward to amend the law were unconstitutional and undermined the democratic system.

The party was subsequently dissolved, with its members regrouping under the People’s Party banner.Among those named in the case are party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul.

Despite strong polling support, the People’s Party finished second in February’s general election to the Bhumjaithai Party led by Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul, after earlier being blocked from forming a government following its 2023 election victory.

The proposed “Commission on Presidential Capacity to Discharge the Powers and Duties of the Office” would create a 17-member body empowered to assess whether a president is fit to remain in office under criteria including physical or mental incapacity, or impairment due to substance use.

The initiative revives legislation first introduced by Raskin in 2020 during Trump’s first term.The move comes as some Democrats in Congress have renewed discussions about possible impeachment proceedings or invoking the 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which provides a mechanism to transfer presidential powers if a leader is deemed unable to perform official duties.

Raskin’s proposal is unlikely to advance in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson has been a strong supporter of Trump. Republican lawmakers in both chambers have also blocked separate Democratic efforts to pass a resolution aimed at ending recent U.S. military actions in Iran that were not formally authorized by Congress.

Political tensions have escalated following Trump’s recent warning that “a whole civilization will die” unless Iran permits free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. The statement came after U.S. forces, alongside Israel, launched military operations against Iran beginning February 28, raising concerns among lawmakers about the scope and objectives of the intervention.

Trump, who is serving his second term, was impeached twice during his first presidency but was acquitted on both occasions by the Senate.

While many Democrats had previously avoided renewed impeachment efforts, recent developments have prompted some within the party to revisit options for challenging Trump’s continuation in office, though views remain divided within the caucus.

Speaking before boarding Air Force Two, Vance said Washington was open to constructive negotiations but warned that progress would depend on Tehran’s willingness to engage in good faith.

“We’re going to try to have a positive negotiation,” Vance told reporters. “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand.”

The diplomatic effort comes amid heightened tensions following a two-week ceasefire agreement that has been repeatedly tested by mutual accusations of non-compliance.

Pakistan is hosting the talks as part of ongoing international efforts to prevent further escalation between Washington and Tehran, with the outcome seen as critical to maintaining regional stability.

In a written statement broadcast on Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television, Qassem said the group would not accept a return to prior arrangements and called on Lebanese officials to take a firmer stance in upcoming talks.

His remarks followed Israeli strikes earlier this week that he described as “bloody criminality,” referring to attacks on Wednesday that reportedly killed more than 300 people in Lebanon.

The comments come as Beirut and Tel Aviv are preparing to begin negotiations in the United States, part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address escalating tensions between the two countries.