Court removes Prime Minister Srettha from office in another ruling shaking up Thailand's politics
Thailand's Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office over an ethics violation
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office over an ethical violation Wednesday, further shaking up Thai politics after ordering the dissolution of the main opposition party a week ago.
The 5-4 ruling removed Srettha from office immediately over a case involving his appointment of a Cabinet member who had been jailed in connection with an alleged bribery attempt.
The Cabinet will remain in place on a caretaker basis until Parliament approves a new prime minister. It scheduled a vote Friday but has no time limit to fill the position. The caretaker Cabinet could also dissolve Parliament and call a new election.
Srettha said he respected the ruling and that he always sought to act ethically during his time in office, which was less than a year. “I’m sorry that I’d be considered as a prime minister who’s unethical, but I’d like to insist that I believe that is not who I am,” he said.
