Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s visit to the bustling market beneath the Ploenchit expressway on Ploenchit Road in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district took a dramatic twist at noon on Wednesday. It all happened just hours before the Constitutional Court’s pivotal decision that would determine his political future. Spectators and market vendors were oblivious to the ticking clock of political fate as the Prime Minister made his rounds, engaging with locals and immersing himself in the vibrant atmosphere. Little did anyone know, the stage was being set for a historic ruling.
As the afternoon sun climbed higher, the Constitutional Court made a momentous declaration: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had committed a grave ethical violation by appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister. This decision, delivered by a narrow 5-4 vote among the nine judges, marked the abrupt end of Srettha’s tenure, which had lasted less than a year. The entire cabinet was ordered to resign but would remain in a caretaker capacity. Deputy Prime Minister would serve as the acting premier until a new one was selected by the House of Representatives.
The courthouse atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the ruling was announced. Srettha Thavisin was notably absent, opting to send his secretary-general, Prommin Lertsuridej, in his stead. Similarly absent were the 40 former senators who had originally filed the complaint against him, adding another layer of intrigue to the already high-stakes situation.
The senators appealed to the court to remove Srettha under provisions of Section 170 (4) and (5) of the National Charter. These sections address the ethical standards expected of cabinet ministers—a set of standards that Srettha’s appointment of Pichit seemed to have flouted.
But who was this man, Pichit Chuenban, and what made his appointment so contentious? In 2008, Pichit had been sentenced to a six-month prison term for attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials with a paper bag containing two million baht, cleverly concealed inside a lunch box. His actions, along with those of his two accomplices, were in an effort to sway the outcome of a land purchase case involving former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his ex-wife, Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra. Thaksin, at the time, faced a two-year prison sentence for abusing his authority to help Khunying Potjaman purchase land at a heavily discounted price from the Bank of Thailand’s Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF).
Despite Pichit’s resignation shortly before the court took up the petition against Srettha, which seemed like a last-ditch attempt to shield the Prime Minister from legal fallout, the court decided to dismiss the case against Pichit but proceed against Srettha. This move underscored the gravity of the situation and highlighted the court’s focus on maintaining the integrity and ethics of governmental appointments.
In his defense, Srettha pleaded ignorance, claiming that his background as a businessman didn’t equip him with thorough knowledge of the rules governing ministerial appointments. Yet, the court remained unconvinced, emphasizing the high-profile nature of Pichit’s case which should have been a glaring red flag for any informed leader.
As the news of the ruling spread, the reverberations were felt beyond the corridors of power, shaking the very foundations of trust and governance in the nation. What would come next for Srettha Thavisin? Could the acting prime minister steer the ship in these turbulent times until a new leader was elected? Only time would tell, as the country collectively held its breath and awaited the next chapter in this unfolding political drama.
Srettha had this coming. You can’t just appoint criminals and think there won’t be repercussions!
True, but the court’s decision was so sudden. It feels like there’s more going on behind the scenes.
Definitely. The fact that the senators who filed the complaint were absent is suspicious.
Why should someone’s past always define their future? Pichit could have turned over a new leaf.
Ethics in leadership is not something you gamble with, especially with such a dark past.
What a mess! Just when we thought things were stabilizing, this happens.
Maybe this is the wake-up call Thailand needs to clean up its politics.
Srettha’s ignorance defense is pathetic. A leader should always be informed about their appointees.
But can you really expect a businessman to know all the political rules? There’s a learning curve.
A learning curve is one thing, but appointing a known criminal? That’s just reckless.
Exactly, Karl. Some mistakes you can’t afford to make, not in politics.
This ruling is just another example of old political power trying to stay relevant.
You could say that, but rules are rules. Ethical violations must be punished.
I agree on ethics, but this feels more like a power play than genuine justice.
Isn’t Thaksin Shinawatra still a looming shadow over Thai politics? His influence is undeniable.
Thaksin is always a wildcard. His connections might keep causing issues.
Definitely. It’s like a never-ending loop of his past catching up to the present.
Maybe this is a chance for Thailand to get a fresh start with a new leader.
A fresh start would be nice, but who can we trust to lead us out of this mess?
Good leaders are out there. We just need to find and support them.
Feel sorry for Srettha, but he should’ve vetted his team more carefully.
Exactly. A leader’s choices reflect on their judgment and capability.
I was at Ploenchit market that day. The news came as a shock to everyone.
I can imagine the atmosphere. Must’ve been quite the buzz!
Interesting how the court proceeded against Srettha but dismissed the case against Pichit. Double standards?
Totally! They just wanted a scapegoat and chose Srettha over Pichit.
Politics in Thailand is like a soap opera, so many twists and turns.
I feel bad for the deputy PM. Stepping into this chaos can’t be easy.
Just another chapter in the never-ending saga of Thai political drama.
Pichit’s past is shady, but people can change. Still, a bad call by Srettha.
Ethics should always come first. Srettha’s ignorance is no excuse!
Every country has its political scandals. Thailand just needs stronger checks and balances.
Mixed feelings about this. Srettha might have been a good PM if given a chance.
What’s next for Thai politics now? Only time will tell.
Hope this leads to positive changes and a more transparent government.
Another reminder that no one is above the law, even the Prime Minister.