In a stunning turn of events, Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has been removed from office after the Constitutional Court ruled that he violated the constitution. This unexpected decision has sent shockwaves through the country, further destabilizing Thailand’s already volatile political landscape.
The court’s ruling comes on the heels of another significant decision last week, where the same court dissolved the popular Move Forward Party, which had secured the most seats in last year’s election. The party’s leaders were also banned from politics for a decade, intensifying concerns about the direction of democracy in the kingdom.
The Constitutional Court found that Srettha, a real estate mogul and relatively new figure in politics, breached ethical guidelines by appointing Pichit Chuenban, a lawyer with a criminal record, to his Cabinet. Pichit had previously served six months in prison in 2008 for contempt of court. The court stated that Srettha was fully aware of Pichit’s lack of moral integrity when making the appointment.
As a result of the ruling, Srettha and his Cabinet have been dismissed from their positions. A new government must now be formed, with the ruling Pheu Thai-led coalition set to nominate a new candidate for the role of prime minister. The candidate will need to be approved by the 500-seat parliament.
Srettha, who has faced declining popularity in recent months due to opposition and delays in implementing his key economic policies, expressed his acceptance of the court’s decision. He acknowledged that he had done his best during his time in office but was uncertain if his policies would continue under the next government.
This ruling adds another chapter to Thailand’s turbulent political history, where the judiciary has frequently played a central role in shaping the political landscape. Over the past two decades, numerous lawmakers have faced bans, political parties have been dissolved, and prime ministers have been ousted either through coups or court decisions. The recent verdicts have raised new concerns about the erosion of democratic rights in the country.
The Pheu Thai party, with its ties to the influential Shinawatra political dynasty, is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming political negotiations. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin Shinawatra’s youngest daughter, is among the potential candidates to succeed Srettha as prime minister.
As Thailand prepares for yet another shift in its political leadership, the kingdom faces renewed uncertainty about its future direction, particularly in its efforts to address economic challenges and restore stability.