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| Photo Credit: Thaiger |
Today, Thailand's Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Sritha Thawisin from office after finding him guilty of violating political ethics by appointing a former convict as a government minister.
Former Prime Minister Sritha Thawisin appointed Pichit Chuenban, a well-known lawyer with ties to the Shinawatra family, as Minister of the Prime Minister's Office. The appointment raised concerns among 40 senators as Pichit was not qualified for the role due to a previous criminal conviction.
Pichit was sentenced to six months in prison a decade ago for attempting to bribe court officials with 6 million baht during a case involving Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife. Due to this serious offense, he was also removed from Thailand's Royal Council.
Amid growing controversy over his appointment, Pichit decided to step down on May 21.
"If I was as bad as they claim, I would not have entered parliament," Pichit said. Despite his resignation, 40 senators filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court, asking the court to rule on whether the 62-year-old former prime minister's actions violated the ethical standards expected of Thai politicians. Bangkok-born Sritha knew Pichit was unfit, but he still appointed him as minister.
The court delivered its ruling at 3pm today, stating that Sritha's actions were a serious breach of political ethics. As a result, he has been removed from the position of prime minister with immediate effect.
Note on the next prime minister
With Sritha no longer in office, a new prime minister and Cabinet must be selected. Although Sritha is no longer able to perform his duties, other Cabinet members will continue to serve until a new Cabinet is in place. Former Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Vechayachai is expected to serve as interim prime minister during this transition.
Sri Sri, Thailand's 30th Prime Minister, continued his duties as usual before the Court's decision. In an interview this morning, he mentioned that he planned to visit a market under the Plon Chit Bridge in Bangkok later in the day.
When asked about his concerns about the Court's decision, Sri Sri admitted, "I slept well last night, but I worry about everything all the time. However, this matter is beyond my control, so I will let the Court proceed."
Stithorn Thananitichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy at the King Prajadhipok Institute, shared his thoughts on Thailand's potential new Prime Minister during an interview with ThaiRath. He suggested that the position could be filled by Patongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party. However, the new Prime Minister could also come from other coalition parties, such as Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, or Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party.
With Sritha no longer in office, a new prime minister and Cabinet must be selected. Although Sritha is no longer able to perform his duties, other Cabinet members will continue to serve until a new Cabinet is in place. Former Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Vechayachai is expected to serve as interim prime minister during this transition.
Sri Sri, Thailand's 30th Prime Minister, continued his duties as usual before the Court's decision. In an interview this morning, he mentioned that he planned to visit a market under the Plon Chit Bridge in Bangkok later in the day.
When asked about his concerns about the Court's decision, Sri Sri admitted, "I slept well last night, but I worry about everything all the time. However, this matter is beyond my control, so I will let the Court proceed."
Stithorn Thananitichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy at the King Prajadhipok Institute, shared his thoughts on Thailand's potential new Prime Minister during an interview with ThaiRath. He suggested that the position could be filled by Patongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party. However, the new Prime Minister could also come from other coalition parties, such as Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, or Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party.
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