Constitutional Court ruled on Wednesday that can be dismissed, after having served less than a year in office.
A group of 40 senators, appointed by the former military government, filed a lawsuit against Srettha.
The case against Srettha
The Constitutional Court ruled on whether Srettha violated “ethical standards” by appointing Pichit Chuenban.
In 2008, Pichit was sentenced to six months in jail for a graft-related offense. He resigned from the Cabinet to assist Srettha, but the court proceeded with a case based on a complaint filed by the senators.
Srettha has denied wrongdoing and expected to survive the process.
“I have done my best and sent a closing statement, now it depends on the justice system,” he said on Tuesday.
Now Srettha is dismissed, Thailand’s 500-seat parliament must convene to choose a new prime minister, potentially plunging the country further into political uncertainty.
Srettha came to power less than a year ago at the head of a coalition led by his Pheu Thai party, of which remains a key patriarch figure, after striking a deal with military-linked parties. Pichit is a lawyer closely associated with Thaksin’s family.
Thailand’s political woes
Last week, the same court , banning its former leader from politics for 10 years.
The remaining members of MFP launched a new movement on Friday, named , with the ambition of bringing change in the next national election, scheduled for 2027.
Srettha would have faced several challenges even if he had survived Tuesday’s judgment.
Many of his policies face significant opposition.
His and distribute 10,000 baht (€260; $285) to more than 40 million Thais have been seen as contentious, both nationally and within his coalition.
dvv/lo (AFP, Reuters)
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