In a dramatic turn of events, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been dismissed by the Constitutional Court for appointing a former lawyer with a criminal record to his cabinet. The court ruled that Srettha violated ethical standards by selecting Pichit Chuenban, who was previously jailed for attempted bribery, as part of his government.

Srettha’s Sudden Downfall
The 67-year-old, who has been in office for less than a year, becomes the third Thai prime minister in 16 years to be removed by the same court. His dismissal marks yet another example of the country’s turbulent political landscape, where the constitutional court wields significant power. Despite expressing confidence in his honesty, Srettha accepted the court’s ruling, which is final and cannot be appealed.

Political Intrigue Behind the Scenes
The decision has sparked widespread speculation about the political motives behind the court’s ruling. Although it’s unclear who orchestrated this move, many believe it was driven by political rivalries. The court had previously accepted a petition from 40 senators calling for Srettha’s removal due to his controversial cabinet appointment.

A Nation in Political and Economic Turmoil
As Thailand’s parliament prepares to elect a new prime minister, the country continues to grapple with economic challenges and ongoing political unrest. Hopes for stability following years of military rule and coups have been dashed, with the recent court decision further complicating the nation’s path forward.

A Troubled Political Legacy
Srettha’s rise to power last August was the result of a political deal that sidelined the popular Move Forward party, which won the most seats in the previous general election. Just last week, the constitutional court dissolved Move Forward, banning its leaders from politics for a decade, adding to the ongoing political drama.