Following on from the dissolution of the country’s most popular political party (last week), Thailand’s PM has now been ousted. It’s been a busy week for the Constitutional Court (who have dismissed 4 prime ministers in the past 20 years).
Yesterday, the court found PM Srettha Thavisin guilty of a breach of ethics in his appointment of ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a minister attached to the PM’s Office. As a result of its findings, the court ruled that Srettha should be removed from office by 5 votes to 4.
So who will be Thailand’s new prime minister?
According to a Thai PBS World report, former justice minister and member of the Pheu Thai Party, Chaikasem Nitisiri, is expected to be nominated as Srettha’s replacement by the Pheu Thai Party in the Friday morning session of parliament.
It’s understood all members of the Pheu-Thai led coalition government have agreed that Chaikasem should be nominated. Members met yesterday, August 14, at the home of former PM (and ex-convict himself) Thaksin Shinawatra, following the court’s ruling.
Thaksin’s daughter and leader of the Pheu Thai Party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was another favourite to replace Srettha. However, it’s believed the coalition agreed to nominate 76 year old Chaikasem, as Thaksin isn’t confident his daughter is ready for the role, particularly given the turmoil of the current political climate.
With the coalition parties holding a majority in the House of Representatives, Chaikasem’s nomination is not expected to face any significant opposition.
Bhum Jai Thai’s Anutin Charvirakul, the former public health minister, current Interior Minister as well as deputy PM, would be nominated if Chaikasem is unable to gather a majority vote on the parliamentary floor.
In the interim, deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to become caretaker PM, having returned early from trade talks in Kazakhstan following yesterday’s court ruling.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
