Judge Punya Udchachon, who read the ruling, said the court voted five in favor and four against to remove Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office.
Srettha Thavisin became the fourth Thai Prime Minister in 16 years to be removed from office by a ruling of the Constitutional Court, after the court ruled that he had violated the constitution by appointing a minister who did not meet ethical standards.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been removed from office. Photo: CNA
The dismissal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after less than a year in power means that Parliament must convene to elect a new Prime Minister.
Speaking to the media after the ruling, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he "accepted" the court's decision to remove him from office but was saddened to hear that he was accused of being an unethical prime minister. He added that he had done his best and worked honestly.
Mr. Srettha appointed former lawyer Shinawatra Pichit Chuenban, who had been briefly detained on charges of bribing court officials. Judge Punya stated that Mr. Srettha Thavisin must have known about Pichit Chuenban's 2008 conviction when he appointed him to his cabinet.
Mr. Punya added: "The appointment of the second defendant (Pichit) shows that the first defendant (Srettha) was dishonest and violated ethical standards."
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to assume the role of interim Prime Minister.
The next Prime Minister needs to be nominated by their party before the 2023 election, with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, of the Pheu Thai Party being nominated as the Prime Minister's candidate.
Other potential candidates include Home Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Energy Ministers Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and Prawit Wongsuwan.
Quang Anh (according to CNA, CNN)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/toa-an-hien-phap-thai-lan-bai-nhiem-thu-tuong-srettha-thavisin-post307676.html
