Srettha Thavisin, Thailand's prime minister, arrives at Thai Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023.
BANGKOK - Thailand's Constitutional Court on Wednesday dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for appointing to his cabinet a former lawyer who served jail time, raising the spectre of more political upheaval and a reset of the governing alliance.
Real estate tycoon Srettha becomes the fourth Thai premier in 16 years to be removed by verdicts by the same court, after it ruled he violated the constitution by appointing a minister who did not meet ethical standards.
Srettha had maintained his appointment of former Shinawatra lawyer Pichit Chuenban, who was briefly imprisoned for contempt of court in 2008 over an alleged attempt to bribe court staff, was above board.
Deputy premier Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to take over as caretaker prime minister.
Persons:
Srettha, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha's, Thaksin Shinawatra, Pichit Chuenban, Pichit, Phumtham Wechayachai
Organizations:
Thai, Party, Thai Party
Locations:
Thai, Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK