ISTANBUL – Thailand’s parliament announced it will convene on Friday to select a new prime minister after the Constitutional Court removed Srettha Thavisin from office on Wednesday (14 Aug 2024) due to an ethics violation.
To be appointed as prime minister, a candidate must secure the support of more than 50 percent of the votes in the 500-member lower house. Currently, the house has 493 members, with 314 belonging to the 11-party ruling coalition.
Srettha’s Cabinet was dissolved in a 5-4 decision by the Constitutional Court, less than a year after his election.
The case, brought forward by a group of former senators under the junta, accused Srettha of violating ethics in May by appointing lawyer Pichit Chuenban to a ministerial post in the prime minister’s office, according to the Thai Public Broadcasting Service. Pichit had previously been convicted of bribery.
As a result of the ruling, Srettha’s Cabinet has been dismissed.
Until a new prime minister is chosen, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will serve as acting prime minister, according to the Bangkok Post.
Srettha expressed respect for the Court’s decision, despite his disappointment.
The ruling marks the fourth time in 16 years that the Constitutional Court has removed a Thai premier from office.
Possible Candidates
Local media suggests that Anutin Charnvirakul, another deputy prime minister and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest coalition partner, is a strong contender for the position.
Other potential candidates include Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, leader of the conservative Thai Raksa Chart Party, and Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon, head of the military-aligned Palang Pracharath Party.
Gen. Prawit has been involved in the past two coups led by former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
(ia/mnm/PNA/Anadolu)