Political Shakeup in Thailand: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin Dismissed

Thailand's Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for ethical violations, shaking the country's political landscape. Srettha is the fourth Thai premier in 16 years to be ousted by the court. The ruling highlights the judiciary's significant influence over Thai politics and comes amid economic struggles and political unrest.

Thailand's Constitutional Court on Wednesday dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for "grossly" violating ethics by appointing a minister who previously served jail time, raising the spectre of political upheaval and a shakeup in the governing alliance. The court ruled 5-4 in favour of dismissing Srettha, making him the fourth Thai premier in 16 years to be removed by the same court for failing to perform his duty with integrity.

Srettha's removal, after less than a year in power, means parliament must convene to choose a new premier, leading to more uncertainty in a country plagued for two decades by coups and court rulings that have toppled multiple governments and political parties. "The court has found 5-4 that the accused is terminated as prime minister due to his lack of honesty," the judges said, adding that his behaviour "grossly breached ethical standards".

The ruling underscores the central role Thailand's judiciary has played in politics, coming shortly after the court dissolved the anti-establishment Move Forward Party for its campaign to reform a law that risked undermining the constitutional monarchy. Srettha's dismissal complicates an already tough economic situation, with weak exports, consumer spending, and sky-high household debt. The government has projected a modest 2.7% growth for 2024, far behind regional peers, while the stock market has been Asia's worst-performing this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)