The Thai House of Representatives sets date for election of new prime minister.

On August 14, the Thai Parliament announced that the House of Representatives would hold an election for a new prime minister on August 16, following a ruling by the Constitutional Court removing Srettha Thavisin from office.

A general view of a session of the Thai Parliament in Bangkok.

The statement from the National Assembly clarified that the House of Representatives will hold a vote at 10:00 AM on August 16th (local time, which is 10:00 AM the same day in Vietnam). The ruling coalition will convene to select its candidate on August 15th.

The Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Thailand also confirmed that the country's House of Representatives will convene on August 16th to elect a new prime minister.

According to the rules of the Thai Parliament, a candidate nominated for prime minister must secure the support of more than half of the members of the House of Representatives, which currently has 493 members.

Earlier that same day, the Constitutional Court of Thailand ruled to impeach Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for violating the Constitution by appointing individuals who did not meet ethical standards to cabinet ministerial positions.

The ruling – voted on by nine judges 5/4 – removed Srettha from office after less than a year in power. The ruling also ended all cabinet positions, but ministers will continue to hold power on an interim basis. First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai will temporarily serve as acting Prime Minister until the House of Representatives votes to elect a new prime minister.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin speaks to the press after the court's ruling on the afternoon of August 14. Photo: Bangkok Post

Speaking to reporters after the court ruling, Srettha Thavisin said he had strived to lead the country honestly and believed there were many talented people who could continue the work. However, he admitted he did not know whether the current government 's policies would continue to be implemented and whether the next government might change policies.

Mr. Srettha is the fourth Thai Prime Minister to be removed from office by the Constitutional Court in the past 16 years.

NGUYEN KHANG (compiled)

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/ha-vien-thai-lan-an-dinh-thoi-diem-bau-thu-tuong-moi-post754090.html