Last updated on August 22nd, 2024 at 11:59 am
โข Thailandโs Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was removed from office following a court ruling that found him in violation of the constitution.
โข The ruling comes on the heels of the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward Party, adding to the nationโs political turmoil.
โข The court ruled against Srettha for appointing a lawyer with a criminal record to his Cabinet, leading to his dismissal.
BANGKOK, THAILAND โ Thailandโs Prime Minister SRETTHA THAVISIN has been removed from office after the Constitutional Court ruled that he violated the constitution by appointing a lawyer with a criminal record to his Cabinet. This shocking decision has thrown Thailand into further political uncertainty, following the recent dissolution of the progressive Move Forward Party by the same court.
The courtโs verdict found Srettha guilty of breaching ethics rules, particularly highlighting his decision to appoint PICHIT CHUENBAN, who had previously served prison time for contempt of court. The court stated that Srettha was fully aware of Pichitโs past, leading to a 5-4 ruling to dismiss Srettha and his Cabinet.
This ruling is the latest in a series of events destabilizing Thailandโs political landscape, where the judiciary has played a significant role in removing leaders and dissolving parties. Sretthaโs removal comes just after his appointment ended a prolonged political deadlock following the 2023 elections, during which his Pheu Thai party formed a coalition government.
The ruling has sparked concerns about Thailandโs democratic processes, with political analyst Thitinan Pongsudhirak noting the unprecedented judicial interventions. As the country awaits the formation of a new government, the future of Sretthaโs economic policies, including a major digital wallet scheme, remains uncertain.
Sretthaโs ousting adds to the political instability in Thailand, where the battle for power between reformists and the conservative establishment continues to unfold.
Srettha was an anti-cannabis voice in Thailand, demanding that the plant be made a narcotic by the end of the year.
While his anit-cannabis views are shared by his party, it remains to be seen how much appetite the new prime minister will have for going after cannabis when one of the most powerful politicians in Thai parliament, ANUTIN CHARNVIRAKUL, is needed in order for Pheu Thai to remain in power.
