Thailand’s Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office, citing his appointment of a former lawyer with a criminal record to his cabinet. The decision, announced on Wednesday, raises the prospect of renewed political upheaval and a potential reset of the governing alliance.
Srettha, a real estate tycoon, becomes the fourth Thai premier in 16 years to be removed by a court ruling. The court determined that he violated the constitution by appointing Pichit Chuenban, a former lawyer for the influential Shinawatra family, who briefly served jail time in 2008 for contempt of court. Although the bribery allegations against Pichit were never proven, his appointment has been deemed unethical by the court, leading to Srettha’s dismissal after less than a year in power.
This unexpected removal forces Thailand’s parliament to reconvene and select a new prime minister, adding to the uncertainty in a country that has seen multiple governments and political parties brought down by coups and court decisions over the past two decades.
The court’s ruling comes on the heels of another significant decision last week, when it dissolved the anti-establishment Move Forward Party, which had been gaining popularity in its campaign to reform laws against insulting the monarchy. The party has since regrouped under a new name.
Srettha’s Pheu Thai Party, linked to the Shinawatra family, has been a focal point of Thailand’s ongoing political conflict. The party has been the target of two coups and numerous legal challenges, largely driven by its rivalry with the conservative establishment and royalist military factions. Srettha’s removal could disrupt the fragile truce between former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his longtime adversaries, which had allowed Srettha to take office in 2023.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to serve as caretaker prime minister until a new leader is chosen. Political analysts suggest that Pheu Thai may still have enough influence to lead the next government, despite the current turmoil.
Potential candidates for the next premier include Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter and Pheu Thai’s current leader, who could become Thailand’s third Shinawatra prime minister if successful. Other contenders include Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, and former army chief Prawit Wongsuwan, who played a key role in the last two military coups.
The court’s decision comes at a critical time for Thailand’s economy, which has struggled under Srettha’s leadership. The government’s growth projection for 2024 stands at just 2.7%, significantly behind regional peers, while the stock market has been one of Asia’s worst performers this year, down about 17% year-to-date.
As Thailand braces for further political and economic challenges, the search for a new prime minister is set to begin, with the outcome likely to shape the nation’s future direction.
Input from Reuters
14th Aug 2024
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