Judge Punya Udchachon, who read the verdict, said the court voted five to four to dismiss Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Srettha Thavisin became the fourth Thai prime minister in 16 years to be removed from office by the Constitutional Court, after the court ruled he had violated the constitution by appointing an unethical minister.

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 verdict, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he “accepted” the court’s decision to remove him from office but was saddened to hear that he had been accused of being an unethical prime minister. He added that he had done his best and worked honestly.

Mr Srettha appointed former Shinawatra lawyer Pichit Chuenban, who was briefly detained for allegedly bribing court staff. Judge Punya said Mr Srettha Thavisin must have known about Pichit Chuenban's 2008 conviction when he appointed him to his cabinet.

“The appointment of the second defendant (Pichit) shows that the first defendant (Srettha) is dishonest and has violated ethical standards,” Mr Punya added.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to take over as acting Prime Minister.

The incoming prime minister needs to be nominated by his party as a prime ministerial candidate before the 2023 election, including the 37-year-old daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party.

Other potential candidates include Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Energy Ministers Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and Prawit Wongsuwan.

Quang Anh (according to CNA, CNN)