Thailand's Constitutional Court on Wednesday (Aug. 14) dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for appointing a jailed former lawyer to his cabinet, deepening political turmoil in Thailand and leading to a reshuffle in the ruling alliance.
Srettha, a real estate tycoon, became the fourth Thai prime minister to be impeached by the court in 16 years. The court ruled that Srettha violated the constitution by appointing a minister who did not meet eligibility standards.
Srettha's removal less than a year into power means parliament will have to meet to elect a new prime minister, casting a shadow over Thailand, which has struggled with coups and court rulings that have dissolved governments and political parties in the past two decades.
The Constitutional Court last week dissolved the anti-establishment Move Forward Party (MFP), a popular opposition party, after ruling that its campaign to reform a law against insulting the monarchy risked undermining the constitutional monarchy. MFP members regrouped in a new party on Friday (August 9).
Srettha had previously stood by his appointment of Thaksin Shinawatra's former lawyer Pichit Chuenban, who was briefly jailed in 2008 on charges of defamation of justice over an alleged attempt to bribe a court official. The defamation charges were never proven and Pichit himself resigned in May.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to take over from Srettha as acting Prime Minister.
According to a number of political experts, the Pheu Thai Party is likely to remain the leader in the next government.
“The coalition remains strong,” said Olarn Thinbangtieo, vice dean of the Faculty of Political Science and Law at Burapha University.
“There may be an impact on self-confidence, but it seems likely to be short-lived.”
The next prime minister must secure the nomination for prime minister from their party before the 2023 general election. Among the candidates is Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was a candidate for Pheu Thai.
If elected, Paetongtarn would be the third prime minister from the Shinawatra family after Thaksin and his aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra.
Other potential candidates for the prime ministerial post include Home Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and Prawit Wongsuwan, an influential former army leader involved in Thailand's last two coups. (rs)
