Thai Prime Minister dismissed by Constitutional Court

The Constitutional Court of Thailand has removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office for breaching the constitution over a controversial cabinet appointment.

Key Points

• Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was removed from office by the Constitutional Court for breaching the constitution over a cabinet appointment, causing political upheaval.
• The court’s ruling has created uncertainty and dented investor confidence in Thailand’s economy, particularly regarding planned policies such as digital money handouts and the push for electric vehicles.
• Lawmakers will need to select a new prime minister from candidates submitted by political parties, including the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Chaikasem Nitisiri.

The court accepted a petition by 40 senators who argued that the appointment was unconstitutional due to the appointee’s legal issues.

The judges voted 5-4 against Srettha for appointing Pichit, a former lawyer and legal advisor to the Shinawatra family, who had served a six-month prison term for contempt of court in 2008, as they said this violated the constitution.

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This ruling is likely to cause political turmoil and may impact investor confidence in the economy.

The decision also raises concerns about political uncertainties and policy continuity, including potential impacts on nationwide digital money initiatives and Thailand’s electric vehicle push.

What’s next?

With the incumbent leader resigning, lawmakers will convene for a parliamentary vote to select a new prime minister from candidates submitted by political parties. Six candidates from five political parties are eligible to propose a Prime Ministerial candidate. These include Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Chaikasem Nitisiri from Pheu Thai, Anutin Charnvirakul and Prawit Wongsuwan from Bhumjaithai, and Pirapan Salirathavibhaga from United Thai Nation.

The Srettha Cabinet could transition into a caretaker government, with one Deputy Prime Minister selected as the acting Prime Minister. The acting Prime Minister would have the authority to dissolve the House of Representatives, and if the House is dissolved, the Election Commission must announce the new election date within five days, with the election taking place within 45-60 days.