Thailand's Leadership Turmoil: What's Next After Prime Minister's Dismissal?

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been dismissed by the Constitutional Court for an ethical breach. The current cabinet, led by acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, will serve in a caretaker role. The parliament will vote to elect a new premier from a pre-existing list of candidates, with potential names like Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Chaikasem Nitisiri in contention.

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was dismissed on Wednesday by the Constitutional Court for breaching ethics by appointing a former lawyer, previously imprisoned, to his cabinet.

Commerce Minister and deputy premier Phumtham Wechayachai will serve as acting prime minister, as the cabinet assumes a caretaker role.

Political parties must decide on their nominees for the next premier, with the house speaker set to convene parliament for a vote. A candidate needs more than half of the 493 lawmakers' votes to win. The new leader must then form a cabinet and present policies to parliament. Leading contenders include Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Chaikasem Nitisiri.

(With inputs from agencies.)