Thai Premier Srettha removed from office over ethics violation

ISTANBUL – Thailand's parliament said it will meet Friday to choose a new prime minister after the Constitutional Court removed Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday over an ethics violation.

A candidate nominated for prime minister must win the support of more than 50 percent of votes in the 500-member lower house.

The house currently has 493 members, with 314 belonging to the 11-party ruling coalition.

Srettha's Cabinet was dissolved in a 5-4 vote by the Constitutional Court, less than one year after he was elected.

The case, brought by a group of former senators under the junta, accused Srettha of violating ethics in May by appointing lawyer Pichit Chuenban to a ministerial post in the prime minister's office, according to the Thai Public Broadcasting Service.

Pichit had earlier been convicted of bribery.

The ruling also means that Srettha's Cabinet is dismissed.

Until a new prime minister is chosen, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will serve as acting prime minister, the Bangkok Post reported.

Srettha said he respected the Court's decision, even though it was not what he had hoped.

The verdict makes Srettha the fourth premier in 16 years to be removed by the Constitutional Court.

According to the local media, Anutin Charnvirakul, another deputy prime minister and the head of the second-largest coalition partner, Bhumjaithai Party, is touted by many as the top contender.

Other possible contenders include Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, leader of the conservative Thai Raksa Chart Party, and Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, who heads the military-aligned Palang Pracharath Party.

Prawit was involved in the past two coups led by former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra. (PNA)