Thai Prime Minister Prasittha removed from office

Thailand's Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha after less than a year in office over the appointment of a minister with a criminal record. The country is facing a new crisis.

The Constitutional Court in Bangkok has removed Thai Prime Minister Sritha Thavisin from office. Judge Punnya Odchachoon said the ruling was made by a majority of five votes to four. The court based its decision on an ethics violation.

The removal of the prime minister after less than a year in office could plunge the Southeast Asian nation into a new political crisis.

Appointing a convicted politician as a minister

The ruling came as a surprise to many political observers. Dozens of senators close to the military filed a lawsuit against former property tycoon Sritha in May. The senators accused the 62-year-old of violating regulations by appointing politician Pichet Choenpan as a minister — because he had a criminal record.

Pichet was sentenced to six months in prison in 2008 for contempt of court in a bribery scandal. He resigned last May due to mounting pressure.

The court found that Sreetha, as prime minister, was solely responsible for vetting the qualifications of potential cabinet members. Sreetha knew of Pitchett's past and still nominated him. Sreetha therefore violated ethics rules.

Legal advice has been obtained.

Sreetha reportedly argued in his defense that Pichette’s appointment was in accordance with the law, including because he had previously sought legal advice. However, the court ruled that the prime minister had violated the rules. Sreetha did not attend the ruling herself and attended other appointments.

Sritha steps down after less than a year at the helm of government. This makes him the third Pheu Thai prime minister to be removed from office by the Constitutional Court. He said he wanted to “respect” the court's ruling.

The court ruling not only ousted Sritha but also his entire government. Parliament must now meet to elect a new prime minister. Until then, the cabinet will remain in office in an acting capacity.