Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Wednesday removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office after he appointed a former lawyer with a criminal record to his cabinet, potentially plunging the country into further political turmoil. This marks the fourth time in 16 years that the court has dismissed a Thai premier.
Srettha, a real estate tycoon, had been in power for less than a year. His removal comes after the court ruled that he violated the constitution by appointing a minister who failed to meet ethical standards, leading to renewed uncertainty in Thailand’s already volatile political landscape.
The dismissal follows the court’s dissolution of the popular opposition Move Forward Party just a week earlier, which has exacerbated the political crisis. The anti-establishment party had campaigned to reform laws against insulting the monarchy, which the court deemed a threat to the constitutional monarchy.
Srettha’s Pheu Thai Party, closely associated with the influential Shinawatra family, has been at the center of Thailand’s political upheaval for decades. With his removal, parliament must now convene to elect a new premier, further destabilizing the already fragile political environment.
Deputy Premier Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to take over as caretaker prime minister while the political landscape remains in flux.
