According to a recent ruling, Thailand’s Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Srettha Tavisin from his position on Wednesday for violating the Asian nation’s Constitution. The court’s shocking ruling has plunged the Thai Kingdom in political chaos and uncertainty. A new government must be formed, and a Prime Minister elected.
Last week, the same court issued another important ruling ordering the dissolution and banning of all its members for 10 years from participating in politics.
The Constitutional Court of Bangkok ruled on Wednesday that Srettha – a real estate magnate and relative newcomer to politics – had violated ethics rules when he appointed a lawyer with prison experience to his Cabinet.
Five of the nine judges voted for the dismissal of Srettha, ruling that Srettha was “well aware” that he had appointed someone who lacked serious moral integrity.
The 500-member Parliament will now vote on the new prime minister who is to be nominated by the ruling coalition led by Pheu Thai. The exact date of this process is unknown, but any delay could be detrimental to the country due to its magnitude.
Srettha, who met reporters outside the court after the decision was handed down, said that, while he respected that decision, he felt that he had done his job as Prime Minister the best he could. Srettha also said that he didn’t know if the government would continue his policies and policy agenda he would leave behind after his removal.
Thailand’s political scene is a fragile one, with difficult waters to navigate. Any attempt at reform or change is met by alleged resistance of the perceived ruling elites which are made up of loyal royalists and military officers, along with business executives.
In the last two decades, the judiciary has played a key role in the power struggle. Parties have been dissolved, prime ministers overthrown by coups and court rulings.
Srettha’s appointment as the country’s leader in August last year ended three months of political deadlock following the 2023 election. However, it led to his Pheu Thai Party entering into a coalition government with its long-time military opponents.
A group of former senators appointed by the military brought the charges and case against Srettha. Pichit Chuenban was appointed to the cabinet in part because he was an aide and close friend of former Prime Minister Thaksin, who had been ousted in 2005 by the military. Thaskin, a telecoms billionaire who was the former owner of Manchester City FC and the head of the famous political dynasty in Thailand for the last two decades, is the son of Thaskin’s ancestors.
Pichit was sentenced in 2008 to six months imprisonment after being found in contempt after attempting to bribe Supreme Court officers in a land dispute involving Thaksin. Srettha has denied any wrongdoing and said that Pichit was duly and legally vetted when he was appointed.
Srettha’s popularity has declined in recent months, according to polls. Srettha was primarily concerned with advancing his economic reform agenda. This agenda has been met with major opposition and delays. The court’s decision came as a surprise to many who thought the court would support Srettha. Former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had been advocating for a 500 billion Baht (13.8 billion USD) digital wallet giveaway plan, saying it would spur spending and create jobs in underdeveloped areas of the country. The plan is yet to be officially introduced. Srettha made it a priority to attract more foreign investment to Thailand and increase tourism. She also announced plans to host large events and expanded visa-free policies to help boost the stagnant economy.
Srettha is no longer in the political picture. Political negotiations, jockeying for cabinet posts, and the role of Prime Minister begin. Paetongtarn Shinawatra is Thaksin’s youngest daughter and leader of Pheu Thai. She is considered the most likely candidate. However, Prawit Wongsuwan is also a candidate. He is the leader of the Palang Pracharat pro-military party.
