On Friday, the Constitutional Court of Thailand rejected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for an ethics violation, the last blow to the powerful family of Shinawatra and a decision that triggered a race to form a new government.
Paetongtarn, 39, the youngest Prime Minister of Thailand, became the sixth leader linked to Shinawatra withdrawn from power by the courts or the military in nearly two decades of bitter political rivalry. The Court judged that it had violated ethics during a telephone call disclosed in June in which it seemed to rely on the former Cambodia Hun Sen chief at a time of increased tensions between the two countries.
The decision lets its Pheu party Thai weaken, with rivals that maneuver quickly to take advantage of it. The Bhumjaithai party, which had left the coalition of Paetongtarn, became a first favorite, with the leader Anutin Charnvirakul by putting pressure on other parties and undertaking to dissolve the Parliament in the four months if he took office.
Court decision
In a decision of 6 to 3, the Constitutional Court said that Paetongtarn had placed its private interests before the country and damaged the reputation of Thailand.
“Due to a personal relationship that seemed aligned with Cambodia, the respondent was always willing to comply or act in accordance with the wishes of the Cambodian party,” said the court.
Paetongtarn defended himself, saying that his actions were aimed at preventing violence.
“All I wanted was to protect people’s life, whether soldiers or civilians,” she said. “I was determined to do everything I can to protect their lives before violent clashes.”
It becomes the fifth Thai Prime Minister in 17 years to be withdrawn by the Constitutional Court.
Political fallout
Vice-Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will serve as a guard until Parliament Élise a new chief. A special session was called from September 3 to 5, but no vote on a new Prime Minister has yet been planned.
Several names are being executed, including the veteran lawyer Chaikasem Nitisiri de Pheu Thai, although he is considered to be lacking in experience. Anutin, on the other hand, said on Friday evening that he had already had the voices to form a government.
“It will be a government for the people, who will help find a way out for the country … and refer power to the people,” said Anutin.
The abolition of Paetongtarn adds to the political uncertainty of Thailand, with analysts warning prolonged negotiations, a fragile government and possible manifestations of the opposition forces demanding the first elections.
“The appointment of a new Prime Minister will be difficult and could take a considerable time,” said Stithorn Thananithichot, a political scientist at the University of Chulalongkorn. “Pheu Thai will be disadvantaged.”
The crisis comes in the midst of standby reforms, economic challenges and increasing public frustration in the face of the country’s political instability.
