The role of the monarchy in Thailand is at the core of a looming deadlock that could tip Southeast Asia¡¯s second-largest economy into crisis, with reformers once again vying to dislodge the grip on power of the royalist military establishment.

Despite a stunning victory with its allies over pro-military parties in a May 14 election, the progressive Move Forward party led by Pita Limjaroenrat faces an uncertain path to government.

The main reason is that part of Move Forward¡¯s political platform is the once-unthinkable proposal to amend Thailand¡¯s lese-majeste law, Article 112 of the criminal code that punishes insulting the monarchy with up to 15 years in prison.