Wednesday’s decision by Thailand’s Constitutional Court to oust Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after just under a year in office was jarring. But it was not entirely a surprise under what critics say is the expanding overreach of unelected bodies. Thais have long been accustomed to sudden changes of government due to military coups.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, center, talks to reporters during a press conference at Government house in Bangkok, Thailand after a court removed Srettha from office over an ethical violation Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, center, talks to reporters during a press conference at Government house in Bangkok, Thailand after a court removed Srettha from office over an ethical violation Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024.
Wednesday’s court ruling ousted Srettha Thavisin for breaching a law on ethical behavior by appointing a Cabinet member who had gone to prison in a 2008 case involving an alleged attempt to bribe a judge.
“The judiciary cemented its power over the legislative branch when they ruled against amending a law, and over the executive branch with the removal of the head of government over the appointment of one minister,” he told The Associated Press. Its rulings upset “the usual checks and balances in a democratic system,” and show that Thailand is not a democracy, he said.
Thaksin, a telecoms billionaire who formed his own Thai Rak Thai political party and promoted innovative populist policies to sweep to power in 2001, was ousted by a military coup in 2006, accused of abuse of power and corruption, as well as disrespect toward then-King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Courts General News Asia Asia Pacific I Politics World News Coups Detat Thaksin Shinawatra Thailand Government
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