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In a 5-4 ruling, Thailand's Constitutional Court voted Wednesday to remove Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin from his office for ethics violations over his appointment of ex-convict Pichit Chueban as cabinet minister.

Bangkokpost

Pichit was jailed in 2008 for trying to bribe Supreme Court officials, and was appointed to Srettha's cabinet in April this year. A petition by 40 senators consequently accused the appointment of breaching the office's ethical standards.

Nationthailand

Pichit had resigned a month after his appointment shortly after the petition of 40 senators. In response to the court decision, Srettha claimed that he was not an unethical politician, "did [his] best," and "had no conflicts with anyone."

Khaosod English

Srettha, who had entered office last year, is the fourth prime minister to be removed by Thailand's Constitutional Court in 16 years. Deputy PM Plumtham Wechayachai will be interim PM until the House of Representatives votes for a new one on Friday.

Reuters

Friday's vote will be based upon a list of prime ministerial candidates submitted prior to the 2023 election. A simple majority is needed within the 493-member lower chamber, and voting will repeat until a nominee passes the threshold.

Dw.Com

This comes after the same court voted to dissolve the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) last week and put a hold to the country's new $14.3B digital wallet stimulus plan until a new government is formed.

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Thailand's Constitutional Court has ruled by a 5-4 majority vote to remove Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from his office for a violation of ethics after the appointment of Pichit Chueban to the country's cabinet.

Bangkokpost #

Pichit was jailed in 2008 for attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials, and was appointed to Srettha's cabinet in April this year. A petition by 40 Senators consequently accused the PM's appointment of breaching the office's ethical standards.

Nationthailand #

Pichit had resigned a month after his appointment shortly after 40 senators had filed a petition to the Constitutional Court. Following the decision, Srettha claimed that he was not an unethical politician and had "did [his] best."

Khaosod English #

Srettha, who had entered office last year, is the fourth prime minister to be removed by Thailand's Constitutional Court in 16 years. A new prime minister will be voted for by the country's parliament on Friday.

Reuters #

Dw.Com #

The decision comes after the same court voted to dissolve the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) last week, and will put a hold to the country's new $14.3B digital wallet stimulus plan until a new government is formed.

CNA #

The court's decision to remove Srettha is a surprise to many who expected the former PM to be declared innocent after a minor wrongdoing. It is likely that, after an underwhelming start to his premiership and a stuttering economy, the political novice did not achieve enough to prove himself to the country's royal establishment.

Asia Times

Asia Times #

Srettha’s fall resets Thailand’s topsy-turvy politics

The court's decision to remove Srettha is a surprise to many who expected the former PM to be declared innocent after a minor wrongdoing. It is likely that, after an underwhelming start to his premiership and a stuttering economy, the political novice did not achieve enough to prove himself fit to continue to the country's royal establishment.

Recent decisions by Thailand's Constitutional Court has once again exposed a great power imbalance rooted deep within the State. With Thailand now possessing neither a government nor an opposition, it is clearer than ever that the Constitutional Court's influence over the country must be limited if the interests of the people are ever to be truly represented by a fair political system.

Pm Sretthas Removal After Mfp Dissolution Highlights Need For New Constitution

Thai Court Dismisses PM for Violating Constitution

Recent decisions by Thailand's Constitutional Court has once again exposed a great power imbalance rooted deep within the State. With Thailand now possessing neither a government nor an opposition, it is clearer than ever that the Constitutional Court's influence over the country must be limited if the interests of the people are to be truly represented.

Thai Court Dismisses PM for Violating Constitution

Thai Court Dismisses PM for Violating Constitution

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Thai Court Dismisses PM for Violating Constitution

Thai Court Dismisses PM for Violating Constitution

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