Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Wednesday (August 14) dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from his position for “serious” violation of professional ethics by appointing a minister who had been in prison, sparking political turmoil.
The Bangkok Constitutional Court ruled on Wednesday that Srettha’s appointment of a lawyer who had served time in prison to the cabinet violated ethical norms.
Of the nine judges on the court, five voted to dismiss Srettha and his cabinet, stating that the Prime Minister “clearly appointed someone who seriously lacks moral integrity.”
Thailand now has to form a new government, with the ruling coalition led by the Phalang Pracharat Party set to nominate a new prime minister candidate for a vote in the 500-seat parliament.
Following the verdict, Srettha, in an interview with reporters, said he had done his best to fulfill his duties as prime minister and stated that he “accepts the ruling.” He added that he is uncertain whether the next government will continue his policies.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to take over as acting prime minister.
Srettha is the fourth Thai prime minister to be removed from office in 16 years. Wednesday’s ruling highlights the central role of the judiciary in Thailand’s turbulent political crisis. Last week, the same court dissolved the anti-establishment Future Forward Party for launching a movement to amend a law prohibiting insulting the monarchy, deemed as posing a risk to the constitutional monarchy.
In August last year, Srettha, a real estate tycoon, was appointed as prime minister, ending a three-month political deadlock following the 2023 election, but it led to an alliance between his Phalang Pracharat Party and long-time military opponents coming to power.
The prosecution against Srettha was initiated by 40 military-appointed former senators in May. They demanded his removal from office because the cabinet appointed a close ally of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Pichit Chuenban, as the head of the prime minister’s office.
In 2008, Pichit was imprisoned for six months for contempt of court in a case related to Thaksin’s land dealings, where he was accused of attempting to bribe court officials. The bribery charges were never substantiated, and Pichit resigned in May this year.
Srettha denied any wrongdoing and stated that Pichit’s appointment underwent proper scrutiny and the party followed due process.
Thaksin, a telecommunications billionaire and former owner of Manchester City Football Club, has played a significant role in Thai politics over the past two decades.
Last year, he ended his 15-year self-imposed exile and returned to the country. On the same day, the Senate appointed Srettha as the 30th prime minister of Thailand.
Since taking office, Srettha’s top priority has been addressing the country’s economic woes. He introduced a 500 billion Thai baht (approximately $13.8 billion) digital wallet distribution program aimed at creating job opportunities in underdeveloped areas and stimulating consumption. The program has yet to be implemented.
Srettha also formulated goals for Thailand to attract more foreign investment and become a global tourism hub, expanding visa-free policies and announcing plans to host large-scale events to promote economic development.
With Srettha stepping down, coalition partners will resume political negotiations to vie for the top post of prime minister and cabinet positions.
Phaethongthan Chinnawat, daughter of Thaksin and leader of the Phalang Pracharat Party, could be one of the candidates. Other potential candidates include Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, who successfully pushed for the legalization of marijuana in the country, and political veteran Prawit Wongsuwan, a leader of the pro-military Palang Pracharat Party who has been involved in two past coups against the Shinawatra family.
(This article referenced reports from CNN and Reuters)