BANGKOK – Thailand’s Constitutional Court has scheduled July 24 as the next hearing date for the case seeking the removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The court is requesting additional evidence and testimony from previously summoned individuals.
Earlier this month, the court indicated that a verdict would be reached before September. “The court calls for more information, including evidence and from individuals that were previously summoned,” it stated.
The case against Prime Minister Srettha was initiated by 40 military-appointed senators in May and accepted by the Constitutional Court. It centers on the cabinet appointment of Pichit Chuenban, a lawyer who served jail time for contempt of court. The complaint argues that Pichit did not meet the moral and ethical standards required for ministers as outlined in the constitution. Pichit has since resigned, and Srettha maintains his innocence.
Should Srettha, a political newcomer, be removed from office, a new government will need to be formed. The ruling Pheu Thai party would then have to nominate a new candidate for premier to be voted on by parliament.
The case against Srettha coincides with another complaint calling for the dissolution of the opposition Move Forward party, which emerged as the largest party in parliament following last year’s elections. Analysts suggest that these cases have contributed to heightened political uncertainty in Thailand.