Thailand’s Prime Minister removed from office in shock court ruling

14-08-2024

Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been ousted following a court decision that found him in breach of the constitution, a ruling that deepens the country’s political instability.

This decision comes shortly after the same court disbanded the Move Forward Party, a progressive political group that won the most seats in the previous year’s election, and barred its leaders from holding political office for 10 years.

The Constitutional Court in Bangkok determined on Wednesday that Srettha, a real estate magnate and relatively new figure in politics, violated ethical guidelines by appointing a lawyer with a criminal record to his Cabinet.

The court’s ruling, supported by five out of nine judges, resulted in the dismissal of Srettha and his Cabinet. The judges stated that the prime minister was “fully aware of appointing an individual with significant moral shortcomings.”

A new government now needs to be established, and the ruling coalition led by the Pheu Thai Party is expected to nominate a new candidate for prime minister, who will be chosen by the 500-seat parliament.

In response to the verdict, Srettha expressed to reporters that he fulfilled his role as prime minister to the best of his ability and accepted the court’s decision. He also expressed uncertainty about whether the next administration would pursue his policies.

The ruling adds further complexity to Thailand’s already volatile political environment, where those advocating for reform often clash with the established order—a small but influential group of military, royalist, and business elites.

Srettha’s appointment as prime minister in August of last year ended three months of political deadlock following the 2023 elections but led to his Pheu Thai party forming a coalition government with its long-standing military rivals.

The case against Srettha was initiated in May by a group of 40 former senators appointed by the military, who sought his removal from office due to the appointment of Pichit Chuenban, an advisor to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Pichit had been sentenced to six months in jail in 2008 for contempt of court after attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials in a land dispute involving Thaksin.

Srettha denied any misconduct, stating that Pichit, who has since resigned, was thoroughly vetted and that the party adhered to the appropriate procedures.

Srettha’s popularity had waned in recent months, according to polls, as his key economic initiatives faced resistance and delays.

However, the court’s decision on Wednesday surprised political commentators who had anticipated that the court would rule in favor of the prime minister.

Since assuming office, Srettha’s main focus has been to revitalize the country’s sluggish economy.

He had promoted a flagship policy involving a 500 billion baht ($13.8 billion) digital wallet handout, intended to create jobs and stimulate spending in underdeveloped areas. This plan has not yet been implemented.

Additionally, Srettha aimed to attract more foreign investment to Thailand and transform the country into a global tourism hub by expanding visa-free policies and organizing major events to boost economic growth.