Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin Ousted Over Ethics Violation, New Leader to Be Selected

Bangkok-Thailand’s Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office due to an ethics violation, leading to the dissolution of his Cabinet and prompting an imminent parliamentary vote to select a new premier. This development unfolded on Wednesday, with a special session scheduled for Friday to address the leadership vacuum.

According to Philippines News agency, the Court’s decision was influenced by Srettha’s appointment of Pichit Chuenban—a lawyer previously convicted of bribery—to a ministerial position, an act deemed unethical by the petitioners, a group of former senators. The Thai Public Broadcasting Service reported that the court’s narrow 5-4 verdict marks Srettha as the fourth prime minister in the last 16 years to be ousted by judicial action. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has stepped in as acting prime minister until a new leader is elected. Among the front-runners are Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party, Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, and General Prawit Wongsuwon of the Palang Pracharath Party, with the latter known for his connections to previous military coups.