The move adds yet another chapter to the Kingdom’s seemingly unending political drama.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been dismissed from office following a ruling by the Constitutional Court, which found he had violated the constitution. This decision adds to the already volatile political climate in Thailand, which has seen numerous challenges to its leadership in recent years.

The court’s ruling came after Srettha, a real estate mogul and political newcomer, was found to have breached ethics by appointing a lawyer with a criminal record to his Cabinet. Five of the nine judges agreed that Srettha knew of the lawyer’s questionable background, leading to the decision to remove him and his Cabinet from power.

This development is the latest in a series of political upheavals in Thailand. Just a week earlier, the same court dissolved the Move Forward Party, a progressive political force that won the most seats in the 2023 election. The party’s leaders were banned from politics for ten years, intensifying concerns about the future of democracy in the country.

Srettha’s removal leaves Thailand in a state of uncertainty, as a new government must now be formed. The Pheu Thai-led coalition, which was already navigating a challenging political environment, will need to nominate a new prime minister, who will then face a vote in the 500-seat parliament.

In a statement following the court’s ruling, Srettha expressed his disappointment but said he accepted the decision. He noted that he had done his best as prime minister but was unsure if the next government would continue his policies.

The dismissal of Srettha is another blow to Thailand’s political stability, which has been marked by frequent power struggles and legal battles over the past two decades. The judiciary has played a significant role in these conflicts, often acting as a key arbiter in the ongoing contest for control of the country.

Srettha’s appointment as prime minister in August 2023 ended a three-month political deadlock that followed the general election. However, his time in office was marked by controversy and declining popularity, with his economic policies facing criticism and delays.

The case against Srettha was initiated by a group of 40 former senators appointed by the military, who argued that his appointment of Pichit Chuenban, a close aide to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was improper. Pichit had previously served six months in prison for contempt of court in a case involving Thaksin.

Srettha has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that Pichit was properly vetted and that the appointment process was followed correctly. However, the court’s decision indicates a different interpretation of the facts.

The ruling has surprised many political analysts, who did not expect such a decisive move against Srettha. It also raises further concerns about the erosion of democratic rights in Thailand, where the establishment, including military, royalist, and business elites, continues to wield significant influence over the political process.

Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor of political science at Chulalongkorn University, commented on the ruling, noting that it marked an unprecedented level of judicial intervention in the country’s political affairs. He warned that these recent developments suggest that Thailand is moving away from democracy.

Srettha had focused on revitalising Thailand’s economy during his time in office. He promoted a digital wallet scheme worth 500 billion baht ($13.8 billion), which aimed to boost spending in underdeveloped regions. He also sought to attract foreign investment and transform Thailand into a global tourism hub by expanding visa-free policies and hosting major events.

However, with Srettha’s departure, it is unclear whether these initiatives will continue. The Pheu Thai party, which is aligned with the controversial former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, will need to regroup and propose a new prime ministerial candidate.

Potential successors include Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s youngest daughter, as well as Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who played a key role in legalising cannabis in Thailand, and Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the pro-military Palang Pracharat party.

The political landscape in Thailand remains fluid, with coalition partners likely to engage in intense negotiations over the next steps. As the country prepares for yet another round of leadership changes, the future of its democracy and stability remains uncertain.