Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin Ousted Over Ethical Violation

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was removed from office by Thailand's Constitutional Court for appointing a controversial Cabinet member. The ruling has further destabilized Thai politics following the dissolution of the main opposition party. An interim government will oversee until a new prime minister is approved by Parliament.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was removed from office on Wednesday by Thailand's Constitutional Court due to an ethical violation. The court concluded that Srettha wrongly appointed a Cabinet member previously imprisoned for attempting to bribe a court official. The ruling was a narrow 5:4 decision.

Amidst political turmoil, this decision follows last week's court-ordered dissolution of Thailand's main opposition party. The interim government will continue its duties until Parliament chooses a new prime minister. There is no set timeframe for this decision. The caretaker government retains the power to dissolve Parliament and call for new elections.

The acting prime minister will likely be Phumtham Wechayachai from the Pheu Thai party. If Parliament selects a new leader, candidates include Pheu Thai's Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Bhumjaithai Party's Anutin Charnvirakul. Other contenders are former military officers Prayuth Chan-ocha and Prawit Wongsuwan.

(With inputs from agencies.)