By: ATN News & DW
Bangkok, Thailand: In a landmark decision that could reshape the country's political landscape, Thailand's Constitutional Court has ruled that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has "grossly breached ethics" and can be dismissed from office. The court’s verdict, delivered on Wednesday, marks a significant blow to Srettha’s tenure, which has lasted less than a year.
The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by a coalition of 40 senators, who were appointed under the previous military-backed government. The contention was centered around Srettha’s appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a minister, despite Chuenban’s criminal record. In 2008, Chuenban was convicted of graft-related offenses and sentenced to six months in prison. Although Chuenban resigned from the Cabinet to assist Srettha, the case continued based on complaints lodged by the senators.
Judge Punya Udchachon announced the court’s decision, which was passed by a narrow five-to-four vote, emphasizing that the breach of ethical standards was sufficient grounds for Srettha’s removal. Despite denying any wrongdoing and expressing confidence in the justice system, Srettha faces the reality of his political ouster.
In the wake of the court’s decision, Thailand’s 500-seat parliament must now convene to elect a new prime minister. This move introduces a new phase of political uncertainty in a country already fraught with instability. The election process will require a majority vote from the lower house, where more than 247 votes are needed to secure the position. If no candidate achieves this majority, the parliament will reconvene to continue the selection process.
As of now, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as commerce minister, will assume the role of acting prime minister. The schedule for selecting a new prime minister remains uncertain, though the choice will likely come from a list of candidates proposed before the 2023 elections.
Potential candidates for the position include Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Chaikasem Nitisiri, a seasoned member of the Pheu Thai Party and former justice minister. Both individuals are prominent figures within the Pheu Thai Party, which has been a significant player in Thailand’s political arena.
The court’s decision comes on the heels of another controversial ruling last week, in which the same court dissolved the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) and banned its former leader from politics for a decade. The dissolution has led to the formation of a new movement, "The People's Party," aiming to influence the next national election scheduled for 2027.
Amid these turbulent developments, Srettha’s administration faced substantial challenges, including contentious policies such as the recriminalization of cannabis and the proposed distribution of 10,000 baht ($285) to over 40 million Thais. These proposals had sparked significant debate both nationally and within the coalition.
As Thailand navigates this period of political upheaval, the appointment of a new prime minister and the unfolding of future political maneuvers will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.
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