Thailand’s Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office, ruling that he breached ethical standards by appointing a lawyer with a criminal conviction to his cabinet.

The court’s decision, which came in a 5-4 majority ruling, throws the kingdom into fresh political turmoil, coming just a week after the same court dissolved the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) and banned its former leader from politics for 10 years.

According to the court’s statement, PM Srettha “has no honesty and breached ethical standards” by appointing Pichit Chuenban, a lawyer associated with the family of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to his cabinet.

Pichit had been convicted of a graft-related offense in 2008 and served a six-month jail sentence.

The case against Srettha was brought by a group of former senators appointed by Thailand’s former military junta.

The ruling not only dismisses Srettha but also his entire cabinet, requiring parliament to now convene and choose a new prime minister.

This latest development highlights the ongoing power struggle in Thai politics, which has been marked by a cycle of coups, court rulings, street protests and elections as the conservative establishment battles with progressive parties linked to the influential Thaksin Shinawatra family.

The court’s decision is likely to further deepen the divides in Thai society and raise concerns about the country’s democratic institutions.

Analysts warn that the political instability could have far-reaching consequences for Thailand’s economy and international standing.

Read more

PMLN mourns Nawaz Sharif’s ouster from race for PM

Farewell guard of honour of PM Shehbaz postponed till Aug 14

Former PM Imran says by-election ‘a referendum’ on his popularity

As the nation now braces for a new chapter in its turbulent political landscape, many are left wondering how long the cycle of upheaval will continue and whether a path towards lasting stability and reconciliation can be found.