Thailand PM Srettha Thavisin Removed from Position in Court Ruling
- AP Photo
Bangkok, VIVA – The Constitutional Court has found Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin guilty of a gross violation of ethics for appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister. The ruling resulted in Srettha being dismissed after less than a year in office.
The ruling on Wednesday also terminates all positions in the cabinet, but ministers will stay on in a caretaker capacity. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will serve as acting prime minister until a new premier can be selected by the House of Representatives.
Srettha stated at Government House that he respected the court’s decision, even though it was not what he had hoped for.
Ilustrasi Thailand.
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“I don’t have any authority left. The authority is now with the caretaker prime minister," he said.
"If Phumtham is unable to assume the caretaker role, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit would take over," Srettha added, as quuted from Bangkok Post site.
The future administration will determine key government policies, including the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, the Land Bridge initiative and soft power projects, according to the property tycoon turned politician.
Srettha said he would still like to contribute to the nation in other roles.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand index sank 17 points as the ruling was being read, but recovered to finish the day at 1,292.65, down 5.10 points from Tuesday.
The nine judges ruled 5-4 to dismiss Srettha from office. The prime minister did not attend the hearing but sent his secretary-general Prommin Lertsuridej.
Former senators Direkrit Jenkrongtham, Somchai Sawaengkarn and Prapan Koonmee represented the group of 40 former Upper House members who filed the original complaint against Srettha.
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