Thailand's Prime Minister Removed for Constitutional Breach

Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has been removed from office by the Constitutional Court for violating the constitution.

The court's decision, delivered on August 14, 2024, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Thailand and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical governance.

The court found that Srettha, a real estate tycoon and relative newcomer to politics, had breached ethics rules by appointing Pichit Chuenban, a lawyer with a criminal record, to his Cabinet.

Pichit had previously served six months in prison in 2008 for attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials in a land case involving former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The court ruled that Srettha was "well aware that he appointed a person who seriously lacked moral integrity," leading to his dismissal along with his entire Cabinet.

This ruling comes just a week after the same court dissolved the popular progressive Move Forward Party, which had won the most seats in last year's election, and banned its leaders from politics for ten years.

The verdict against Srettha was supported by five out of nine judges, emphasizing the judiciary's role in maintaining checks and balances within the government.

Speaking to reporters after the decision, Srettha stated, "I performed my duty as prime minister as best I could and accept the verdict." He expressed uncertainty about whether the next government would continue with his policies.

The case against Srettha was initiated in May by a group of 40 military-appointed former senators, who sought his removal due to the controversial Cabinet appointment.

Over the past two decades, Thailand has seen numerous lawmakers face bans, political parties dissolved, and prime ministers deposed through coups or court rulings, highlighting a turbulent political history.

A new government must now be formed, and the ruling Pheu Thai-led coalition will nominate a new candidate for prime minister, who will be voted on by the 500-seat parliament.