Thailand's Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office, citing a gross violation of ethics, a move that threatens to deepen political turmoil and instability in the country.
Thailand's Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office, citing a gross violation of ethics, a ruling that has raised the specter of political upheaval and a shakeup in the governing alliance.
The court's 5-4 decision stemmed from Srettha's appointment of a minister who had previously been jailed, a move that the judges deemed as a failure to perform his duty with integrity. The verdict marks the fourth time in 16 years that a Thai prime minister has been removed from office by the Constitutional Court, underscoring the judiciary's central role in the country's long-standing political crisis.
Thailand's Prime Minister Dismissed for Ethics Violation, Spurring Political Uncertainty
Srettha's ouster after less than a year in power has thrown Thailand into further uncertainty, with parliament set to choose a new premier on Friday. The country has been plagued by coups and court rulings that have brought down multiple governments and political parties in the past.
The Pheu Thai Party, the largest in the coalition and Srettha's party, has moved quickly to try to shore up its alliance. The party has called a meeting for Thursday to choose its candidate for prime minister ahead of the special session of parliament to vote on a new premier.
Thailand's Prime Minister Dismissed for Ethics Violation, Spurring Political Uncertainty
Pheu Thai and its predecessors have borne the brunt of Thailand's political turmoil, with two governments removed by coups in a long-running feud between the party's founders, the billionaire Shinawatra family, and their rivals in the conservative establishment and royalist military.
The court's decision has raised concerns about the stability of Thailand's economy, which Srettha had struggled to revive. Weak exports, low consumer spending, and high household debt have plagued the economy, with more than a million businesses unable to access loans.
Analysts warn that the political uncertainty created by Srettha's dismissal could further damage the economy and slow down spending and investment. The government had estimated growth of just 2.7% for 2024, lagging behind its regional peers.
Srettha has expressed disappointment at the ruling and said it was possible that the next government could alter his policy agenda. However, the decision could also disrupt a fragile truce between political heavyweight Thaksin Shinawatra and his enemies among the conservative elite and military, which enabled Thaksin's return from exile in 2023 and Srettha to become premier.
Pheu Thai is likely to remain the leading party in the next administration, but it is unclear who will take over as prime minister. Other potential candidates include acting Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and Prawit Wongsuwan, a former army chief involved in two coups.
The United States has expressed its commitment to its alliance with Thailand and urged a smooth transition of power. Political experts believe that the Pheu Thai Party has the clout to lead the next government, but the identity of its candidate for prime minister remains uncertain.
