Thailand court dismissed PM Srettha Thavisin in an ethics violation

A court in Thailand dismissed Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin from office in an ethics violation. This court move comes as a major blow to the political stability in the country.

Ousted PM Srethha belonged to a well-liked Thai political party, Move Forward Party which secured most seats in the previous election. This decision came a week after the same court dissolved this party and banned its leaders from politics for ten years.

Thailand’s Constituonal Court has removed Prime Minister Srettha @Thavisin for an ethics violation, immediately ending his position and dissolving his cabinet.

What happened and what’s next?

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However, PM Srettha is a real estate tycoon and comparatively political beginner who faced major setbacks as the country’s leader. Thai court found him guilty as he violated ethics laws by appointing a lawyer with a criminal record to the Cabinet.

Nine court judges noticed that Srettha and his cabinet were well aware that he appointed a person who seriously lacked moral integrity. Following this, the Bangkok Constitutional Court of Thailand dismissed PM Srettha Thavisin.

Thailand's dark era of destroying democracy through unaccountable rulings of the conservative, elite controlled Constitutional Court continues with the dismissal of PM Srettha @Thavisin. The absurdity is palpable! Watch foreign investors head for exits.https://t.co/pXjaj5PQ74 pic.twitter.com/Oh6hmMbHTQ
— Phil Robertson (@Reaproy) August 14, 2024

Hence, it did not only dismiss Srettha but also dissolved his party. On the other hand, Srethha said he accepts the court verdict. He fulfilled his responsibility as prime minister as best he could. He also expressed doubts that the future government would carry out his policies.

Now 500-seat Thai parliament will vote on the new Prime Minister nominee put forward by the ruling Pheu Thai-led coalition.

Latest report: Pheu Thai will now nominate Paethongtharn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter, for PM. Just last night reports said it would be former justice minister Chaikasem Nitisiri.

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Former Thailand PM Thaksin Shinawatra founded Pheu Thai Party. A new government must now be formed in the aftermath of political chaos in Thailand.

However, the court verdict is likely to further destabilize the already unstable political environment of Thailand. This is because activists for reform have frequently encountered resistance from the Thai establishment. It is a tiny but powerful group of business, military, and royalist elites.

Dozens of Thai politicians have faced bans in the last 20 years. Certain parties have suffered the dismissal of their governments in coups by court decisions. It seems the judiciary plays a crucial role in this continuous power dominance struggle.