Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, has been ousted from the office by the orders of The Supreme Court. He was charged with violation of the ethics codes.
He appointed Pichit Chuenban, ih his cabinet. Pichit has served jailed for six months in 2008 on contempt of court charges after he tried to bribe a judge. He tried to gave 2 million baht ($55,000) in cash in a grocery bag over a case involving former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. However, Pichit resigned from the post weeks after being appointed when controversy over the incident was revived.
But, Supreme court stated that the attitude of the Pichit was dishonest, although he served in court.
Judge Punya Udchachon, while delivering the court’s judgment said “The court rules by a majority of five to four that the ministerial position of the prime minister is terminated under the constitution, because he has not shown honesty in appointing this minister”
Srettha as prime minister has sole responsibility for vetting the qualifications of his cabinet nominations, the court ruled. It said he knew about Pichit’s past but still nominated him, and therefore the court ruled that he violated the ethics codes.
