Thailand's Constitutional Court dismisses Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin

Judge Punya Udchachon, who read the verdict, said the court voted five to four to dismiss Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Srettha Thavisin became the fourth Thai prime minister in 16 years to be removed from office by the Constitutional Court, after it ruled he had violated the constitution by appointing an unethical minister.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been dismissed. Photo: CNA

The dismissal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after less than a year in power means that Parliament must convene to elect a new Prime Minister.

Speaking to the media after the verdict, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he “accepted” the court’s decision to remove him from office but was saddened to hear he had been accused of being an unethical prime minister. He added that he had done his best and worked honestly.

Mr. Srettha appointed former lawyer Shinawatra Pichit Chuenban, who had been briefly detained on charges of bribing court officials. Judge Punya stated that Mr. Srettha Thavisin must have known about Pichit Chuenban's 2008 conviction when he appointed him to his cabinet.

“The appointment of the second defendant (Pichit) shows that the first defendant (Srettha) is dishonest and has violated ethical standards,” Mr Punya added.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to take over as acting Prime Minister.

The next Prime Minister needs to be nominated by their party before the 2023 election, with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, of the Pheu Thai Party being nominated as the Prime Minister's candidate.

Other potential candidates include Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Energy Ministers Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and Prawit Wongsuwan.

Quang Anh (according to CNA, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/toa-an-hien-phap-thai-lan-bai-nhiem-thu-tuong-srettha-thavisin-post307676.html