Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has been removed from office after the Constitutional Court found him guilty of violating the constitution.
The court ruled that Thavisin’s appointment of Pichit Chuenban as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office in May was unconstitutional.
The court’s decision stated that Thavisin had acted dishonestly by appointing Chuenban, who had a criminal record, to a ministerial position. The Thai Constitution mandates that any minister must “not have behavior which is a serious violation of or failure to comply with ethical standards.”
Thavisin denied any wrongdoing, stating that Chuenban’s appointment was made legally and with due diligence. However, he said he would respect the court’s decision, which is final and not subject to appeal.
The controversy began in May 2024 when a petition was submitted seeking Thavisin’s removal, accusing him of violating ethical standards by appointing Chuenban, who had a criminal record. Chuenban was previously convicted of contempt of court in 2008 and served a six-month prison term for attempting to bribe a judge.
The court’s ruling effectively strips Thavisin of his status as Prime Minister, compelling him to step down immediately, and also led to the dissolution of his cabinet. The judges reached the verdict with a narrow 5-4 vote.
