- Thai Constitutional Court removed Srettha Thavisin due to an ethics violation related to a Cabinet appointment.
- The court’s ruling follows the recent dissolution of the Move Forward Party, adding to the political instability.
- The Cabinet will function in a caretaker role until a new prime minister is chosen by Parliament.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been removed from office by Thailand’s Constitutional Court for breaching ethical standards.
The caretaker Cabinet will remain in place until Parliament selects a new prime minister, with no set timeframe for the appointment.
Political Turmoil in Thailand: Court Orders Prime Minister’s Removal
The Constitutional Court of Thailand has ruled to remove Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office due to an ethical violation involving his appointment of Pichit Chuenban. Pichit, who had previously served time for attempting to bribe a judge, was appointed as a Cabinet member in April. The court found that Srettha was aware of Pichit’s past and still appointed him, thus breaching ethical codes.
The ruling has come at a turbulent time for Thai politics, following the recent dissolution of the progressive Move Forward Party. This dissolution, linked to accusations against the party for proposing a controversial amendment to a law against defaming the royal family, has exacerbated the political instability in the country. The move has further strained the already fraught political environment.
The caretaker Cabinet, which includes current ministers, will oversee government functions until a new prime minister is appointed. Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to take on the role of acting prime minister. Parliament will need to choose a new leader from among candidates who were previously nominated, including figures from both major and minor political parties.
Srettha’s tenure was marked by efforts to boost Thailand’s economy and cultural diplomacy, but his connection to Thaksin Shinawatra and the controversial appointment have overshadowed his administration’s achievements. The court’s decision underscores the influential role of Thailand’s judiciary in shaping the country’s political future, revealing deep-rooted challenges in Thai governance.
The removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court underscores the volatility of Thailand’s political landscape, exacerbated by recent judicial and political decisions.
“Srettha, who tried to project an image of a strong CEO, was seen by critics as an agent for Thaksin, who returned last August to submit to a plea deal his detractors say was essential to Srettha gaining the premiership.”
