Removal Of Thailand’s Pm Over Ethics Violation.

Introduction

On 14th August Thailand’s Constitutional Court with a majority of 5:4 ruled on the removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from his position due to an ethics violation involving one of his cabinet members. This shocking move has caused a significant shake-up in Thai politics. 
The Court took the decision due to his appointment of a Cabinet Minister who had previously been incarcerated for allegedly attempting to bribe a court official. 

The Catalyst for PM Srettha’s Downfall

Pichit Chuenban is a Thai politician whose contentious appointment as a cabinet minister during a shuffle in April 2024, under the prime ministership of Srettha Thavisin proved to be a fateful decision for the latter, ultimately contributing to the latter's removal from office. 
Earlier in 2008 Pichit Chuenban was found guilty of contempt of court and sentenced to six months in prison for attempting to bribe a judge with 2 million baht (approximately 48 lakh Indian rupees). The attempt to bribe was allegedly intended to influence the judge’s decision in a case involving the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Court’s Verdict

The court while delivering its verdict said that, even though Mr. Pichit has served his jail term but his behaviour was dishonest and Mr. Srettha being Prime Minister must have taken due diligence in appointment of his cabinet and thus, he is ultimately accountable for the appointment of Mr. Pichit Chuenban. Notably, the court found that Mr. Srettha was aware of Mr. Pichit's past conviction, yet nevertheless proceeded with the nomination, consequently violating established ethical standards.

The Laws of Thailand 

The Criminal Code of Thailand criminalises the offering and giving of bribes to, as well as the   acceptance and solicitation of bribes by government officials. 
According to section 98(8) of the Constitution of Thailand a person who has been dismissed from official service, a state agency or a state enterprise on the grounds of dishonest performance of duties or being deemed as having committed dishonest acts or wrongful conducts in the official service, shall be prohibited from exercising the right to stand for election of members of the house of representatives.