Thailand’s Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office, for a breach of constitutional ethics. This ruling has sent shockwaves through the nation, which is already grappling with political instability following the dissolution of the Move Forward Party, the victor of last year’s election, whose leaders have been banned from politics for a decade.
The Verdict and Its Implications
The court, in a 5-4 decision, found that Srettha, a former real estate magnate and relative newcomer to politics, violated ethical standards by appointing Pichit Chuenban, a lawyer with a criminal past, to his Cabinet. This decision has not only led to Srettha's removal but also dissolved his Cabinet, requiring the formation of a new government. The Pheu Thai-led coalition is now tasked with nominating a new candidate for prime minister, a decision to be voted on by the 500-seat parliament.
Srettha, who had been in office for less than a year, accepted the court's ruling, expressing uncertainty about the future continuation of his policies. He marks another chapter in Thailand's volatile political history, characterized by frequent upheavals, coups, and court interventions against those advocating change, often clashing with the entrenched establishment of military, royalist, and business elites.
A History of Politics
Over the past two decades, Thailand has witnessed the banning of lawmakers, the dissolution of parties, and the toppling of prime ministers, often through judicial rulings or military coups. Srettha’s tenure began in August last year, following a three-month political deadlock post the 2023 elections. However, his popularity had waned, with key economic policies facing resistance and delays.
Srettha’s removal is seen as a setback for the Pheu Thai party, which had formed a coalition with its long-standing military . His appointment had ended a politically, but his ties to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a controversial figure in Thai politics, have been a point of contention. Thaksin's return from exile last year coincided with Srettha's rise to power, adding another layer of complexity to Thailand's political dynamics.
Future Prospects and Political Realignments
Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, is among the potential candidates for the premiership. Other contenders include Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, known for advocating legalization, and Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the military-aligned Palang Pracharat party, who played roles in previous coups against Shinawatra-led governments.
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The court's ruling underscores the persistent influence of the establishment in Thailand’s political arena, where judicial decisions often shape the political landscape. As Thailand's parliament prepares to elect a new prime minister, the nation faces yet another period of uncertainty and potential unrest, with the possibility of significant shifts in power and policy.
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