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THAILAND’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has been removed from office after a court ruled that he violated the constitution, in a shock decision that plunges the kingdom into further political uncertainty, according to news reports.
The Constitutional Court in Bangkok ruled that Srettha, a real estate tycoon and relative political newcomer, breached ethics by appointing a lawyer who had previously served prison time to the Cabinet.
Srettha becomes the fourth Thai premier in 16 years to be removed by verdicts from the same court.
His removal after less than a year in power means that parliament must convene to choose a new premier, raising the prospect of more uncertainty in a country that has been dogged for two decades by coups and court rulings that have brought down multiple governments and political parties.
Last week, the Constitutional Court dissolved the anti-establishment Move Forward Party, the hugely popular opposition, ruling that its campaign to reform a law against insulting the crown risked undermining the constitutional monarchy. The party regrouped on Friday under a new name.
The case against Srettha was filed in May by a group of 40 military-appointed former senators, who sought to remove him from office due to the Cabinet appointment of Pichit Chuenban, a close aide to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Pichit was jailed for six months in 2008 for contempt of court after attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials in a land case involving Thaksin.
Srettha denied any wrongdoing and maintained that Pichit, who has since resigned, was properly vetted and that the party followed proper procedures.
Deputy Premier Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to take over as caretaker prime minister. – August 14, 2024.