Thailand in turmoil: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ousted in shocking court decision

Thailand’s political landscape has been thrown into turmoil following the shocking removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office by the Constitutional Court. This dramatic decision, handed down on August 14, 2024, stems from allegations that Srettha violated ethical standards by appointing a minister with a criminal past to his Cabinet.

The court’s ruling centers on Srettha’s decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, a lawyer who had previously served a six-month prison sentence in 2008 for attempting to bribe a court official in a case linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Although Pichit resigned shortly after the controversy resurfaced, the Constitutional Court found that Srettha had acted unethically by knowingly appointing someone with such a record. The court voted 5-4 in favor of Srettha’s removal, a decision that has deepened the already significant political uncertainty in the country.

Thailand‘s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin removed from office following court ruling

Srettha’s ousting marks yet another instance of political instability in Thailand, a nation where prime ministers have frequently been unseated by judicial or military interventions. His tenure, lasting less than a year, was marked by efforts to navigate Thailand’s complex political waters, including managing a coalition government that included military-aligned parties. Despite these efforts, his administration faced considerable opposition, both from within his coalition and the broader public, particularly over contentious policies such as the proposed recriminalization of cannabis and a planned cash handout to millions of Thais.

With Srettha’s departure, Thailand’s 500-seat parliament is now tasked with selecting a new prime minister. Until then, the Cabinet will operate in a caretaker capacity, with Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stepping in as acting premier. The timeline for electing a new leader remains unclear, as does the potential for further political instability. Among the possible successors are Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, and veteran politician Chaikasem Nitisiri, although the path to their selection is fraught with challenges.

This ruling comes on the heels of another significant judicial intervention—the dissolution of the main opposition Move Forward Party, which has further complicated the political scenario. The dissolution and the subsequent formation of a new opposition movement underscore the deep divisions within Thailand’s political sphere, divisions that Srettha’s removal has only exacerbated.

Srettha’s exit underscores the volatility of Thai politics, where the lines between legal, military, and political spheres often blur, leading to frequent changes in leadership. The immediate future remains uncertain as Thailand grapples with the implications of this ruling and the ongoing search for a stable and widely accepted government.

This latest development in Thailand is a reminder of the fragile nature of political power in the country, where ethical breaches, real or perceived, can rapidly lead to the downfall of even the most prominent leaders​.