Thailand’s Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin following a ruling that he violated ethical standards by appointing a former lawyer who had previously been jailed.
The court’s decision, which was passed by a narrow five-to-four vote, marks the third time in 16 years that the court has removed a sitting prime minister.
The court’s ruling was based on what it deemed “defiant behavior” by Srettha, who has been in office for less than a year.
The prime minister, who is 67 years old, expressed his regret but stood by his integrity, stating, “I’m confident in my honesty… I feel sorry, but I’m not saying I disagree with the ruling.”
The ruling introduces further political uncertainty in Thailand, a country that has experienced frequent coups, including the most recent one in 2014 when the military took power. The dismissal of Srettha comes as Thailand is already grappling with political instability.
Srettha’s dismissal follows a petition from around 40 senators, who challenged his decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban to his cabinet.
Chuenban had previously served a six-month prison sentence for attempted bribery. The court’s action underscores ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding the country’s political landscape.
In the wake of Srettha’s removal, an interim leader will be appointed until the Thai parliament convenes to elect a new prime minister.
Srettha’s appointment as prime minister had been contentious from the start. Despite his Pheu Thai party not being the largest winner in the previous year’s election, which ended nearly a decade of military rule, he was installed in power after a coalition deal with army-backed parties, sidelining the Move Forward party, which had won a surprising victory.
Chioma Kalu
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