Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin Ousted in Stunning Court Decision

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : AFP

In a stunning development that deepens Thailand's political turmoil, the Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office, ruling that he violated the constitution. The court's decision came after it had dissolved the progressive Move Forward Party just a week earlier and barred its leaders from political activity for a decade.

The court's ruling on Wednesday determined that Srettha, a real estate mogul and relatively new to politics, breached ethical standards by appointing a lawyer with a criminal record to his Cabinet. The appointment of Pichit Chuenban, who had served a prison sentence for contempt of court, was deemed to show "serious lack of moral integrity." The court's verdict was delivered by a majority of five out of nine judges, who decided to dismiss Srettha and his Cabinet.

The ruling plunges Thailand into further uncertainty, as a new government must now be established. The Pheu Thai Party, which led the coalition government under Srettha, will need to propose a new prime ministerial candidate. This candidate will be subject to a vote by Thailand’s 500-seat parliament.

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Following the decision, Srettha addressed the media, expressing acceptance of the court's verdict and uncertainty about whether his policies would continue under a new administration. The ruling adds to the ongoing upheaval in Thailand's political landscape, where confrontations between reformers and entrenched elites are common. The judiciary has played a pivotal role in shaping the political environment, with frequent bans on parties and dismissals of leaders over the past two decades.

The case against Srettha was initiated in May by a group of 40 military-appointed former senators. They challenged his appointment of Pichit, who had been involved in a bribery scandal in 2008 related to a land case. Srettha defended the decision, asserting that Pichit was thoroughly vetted and that the appointment followed proper procedures.

Srettha's tenure, which began in August 2023, was marked by efforts to revive Thailand's struggling economy. His administration promoted a 500 billion baht ($13.8 billion) digital wallet scheme aimed at boosting spending and job creation. However, the program has not yet been implemented. Srettha also sought to enhance foreign investment and tourism by expanding visa-free policies and hosting major events.

The political landscape remains fluid, with the Pheu Thai Party, known for its association with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now facing a period of transition. Thaksin, a significant figure in Thai politics, was ousted in a 2005 coup and had returned from a 15-year exile to support Srettha’s appointment. The political scene also involves the recently disbanded Move Forward Party, which had advocated for major reforms and faced opposition from conservative senators.

With Srettha’s departure, political negotiations will recommence, with various figures, including Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and political veterans Anutin Charnvirakul and Prawit Wongsuwan, emerging as potential candidates for leadership roles.

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