Thailand’s Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office, citing dishonesty in a ruling related to ethics violations. The court’s 5-4 decision found that Srettha appointed a cabinet minister with a criminal record, breaching regulations.
This ruling follows a recent court decision to dissolve the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) and ban its former leader from politics for a decade. The court criticized Srettha for appointing lawyer Pichit Chuenban, who had a 2008 conviction, suggesting that Srettha must have been aware of the issue.
Srettha, who has served less than a year, is the third prime minister from the Pheu Thai party to be ousted by the Constitutional Court. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will act as caretaker until parliament selects a new prime minister.
Srettha expressed disappointment at being labeled dishonest but vowed to respect the court’s decision. He stated that he had always aimed to lead with integrity during his tenure.
The dismissal of Srettha underscores the ongoing instability in Thai politics, characterized by repeated coups, protests, and court rulings, driven by conflicts between military-backed forces and progressive parties linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Pichit Chuenban, who resigned from the cabinet to mitigate the controversy, was previously convicted of corruption. His association with Thaksin’s family contributed to the political fallout.
The Constitutional Court’s actions, including the recent dissolution of the MFP, highlight deep divisions in Thai politics. Pheu Thai has vowed to persist despite these challenges, while critics like Phil Robertson from Human Rights Watch decry the court’s decisions as detrimental to democracy and investor confidence.
The case against Srettha was initiated by 40 senators appointed by the 2014 military junta, which had previously ousted the elected Pheu Thai government. The same senators played a role in blocking the MFP’s government formation efforts, reflecting the ongoing tension between conservative and progressive factions in Thai politics.
