Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Wednesday removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office, determining that he “grossly breached ethics” by appointing Pichit Chuenban, a lawyer who was convicted in 2008 over an attempt to bribe Supreme Court officials, to his cabinet, according to local media sources. 

A group of forty senators, a majority of whom were nominated by the previous military administration, commenced the legal action. They accused Srettha of violating ethical standards because of Pichit’s previous bribery conviction, which entailed a six-month jail term in 2008. Amid the incident, Pichit resigned from the government. However, the court proceeded with the matter and ruled against Srettha. 

Srettha, who assumed power in late 2023, headed a coalition administration established by the Pheu Thai Party, which has been historically linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. His government encountered hurdles from the start, proposing contentious measures such as recriminalizing cannabis and providing financial support for citizens, which drew strong resistance. 

This decision comes after the recent dissolution of the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP). The verdict has triggered protests from many political groups, with the MFP’s remaining members forming a new organisation named “The People’s Party,” determined to form a single-party government in the next general elections slated for 2027.   Thailand’s Election Commission filed a petition to the country’s Constitutional Court in March to dissolve the MFP for proposing to amend the country’s royal insult law, also known as the “lèse-majesté” law. On June 10, Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader of the Part announced nine defenses against the case. 

The Constitutional Court of the Kingdom of Thailand is the nation’s supreme juridical authority on constitutional issues. It hears matters involving constitutional questions, evaluates legislation, and settles disagreements between government entities. It was established to guarantee constitutional conformity and is vital to maintaining democratic government and legal integrity. 

Thailand’s parliament is expected to elect a new prime minister following Srettha’s departure.