Thai Court to Rule on PM's Removal Over Cabinet Appointment

Thailand's Constitutional Court has accepted a complaint aiming to remove Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office due to his appointment of Pichit Chuenban, a former lawyer with a criminal conviction, to a ministerial position. The complaint was filed by a group of senators who argue that this appointment violates the constitution. Despite the acceptance of the complaint, Srettha has not been suspended from his duties while the court reviews the case.

Pichit Chuenban, who resigned in an attempt to protect Srettha from the court case, was previously convicted for contempt of court in 2008. This development is seen as a setback for Srettha's government, which has recently experienced the resignation of three other ministers. Critics argue that Chuenban's appointment was influenced by his close relationship with Thaksin Shinawatra, a significant figure in Thai politics. The government has defended its vetting process for Chuenban's appointment and expressed confidence in its ability to defend the decision in court.