Thailand’s constitutional court dismisses Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, raising fears of political turmoil

Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Wednesday dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after ruling that he violated the constitution by appointing a former lawyer with a criminal record to his cabinet.

The decision has sparked concerns about renewed political instability and the potential for a reset in the country’s governing alliance.

Srettha, a real estate tycoon who took office less than a year ago, became the fourth Thai premier in 16 years to be removed by the Constitutional Court.

The court found that his appointment of Pichit Chuenban, a former lawyer for the Shinawatra family, did not meet ethical standards due to Pichit’s past conviction and brief imprisonment in 2008 for contempt of court over an alleged attempt to bribe court staff. Although the bribery allegations were never proven, and Pichit resigned from his position in May, the court ruled that his appointment violated the constitution.

The ruling has plunged Thailand into further uncertainty, with parliament now required to convene to select a new prime minister. This development adds to the country’s two-decade-long political turmoil, characterized by coups and court decisions that have brought down multiple governments and dissolved political parties.

Last week, the same court dissolved the Move Forward Party, a popular opposition group known for its anti-establishment stance, on the grounds that its campaign to reform a law against insulting the monarchy threatened the constitutional monarchy. Despite this setback, the party has regrouped under a new name.

Srettha’s removal is the latest blow to the Pheu Thai Party, which, along with its predecessors, has been at the centre of Thailand’s political strife for years. The party, founded by the billionaire Shinawatra family, has seen two of its governments ousted by coups in an ongoing battle with the country’s conservative establishment and royalist military.

The court’s decision could destabilize the fragile truce between Thaksin Shinawatra, a political heavyweight and the party’s founder, and his rivals in the conservative elite and military old guard. Thaksin’s return from 15 years of self-exile in 2023 coincided with Srettha’s rise to power, marking a significant moment in Thailand’s political landscape.

Srettha had defended his decision to appoint Pichit, arguing that it was lawful. However, his removal from office indicates that the controversy surrounding the appointment was not resolved. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to take over as caretaker prime minister until a new leader is chosen.

The dismissal of Srettha Thavisin highlights the ongoing challenges facing Thailand’s political system, where coups, court rulings, and deep-seated rivalries continue to shape the country’s governance and future.