Xinhua Agency, Bangkok, August 29. The Constitutional Court of Thailand ruled on the 29th that Peitontan, who was suspended from his post as prime minister, violated relevant provisions of the Constitution and removed him from his post as prime minister during the phone call with Cambodia Senate Chairman Hun Sen.
Why did the court rule that it was unconstitutional? Who might become the new Prime Minister? How will the situation in Thailand develop?
Why was it ruled unconstitutional?
The nine judges of the Constitutional Court ruled that Petuntan was unconstitutional by a vote of 6 to 3 after a collegial hearing on the same day. The ruling said that the court held that although Petuntan called Hun Sen to protect the national interest, she had negative remarks about the Thai military during the call and interceded with Hun Sen, which was not conducive to the national interest. There was an unconstitutional act, and she was terminated as prime minister in accordance with the constitution. This ruling took effect from the date the Constitutional Court suspended her as prime minister on July 1.
Previously, 36 Thai senators requested the Constitutional Court to investigate whether Peitontan violated the Constitution and political moral standards. According to the leaked recording, she called Hun Sen "uncle" during the phone call with Hun Sen and asked him to help resolve the border issue between the two countries. She also criticized a Thai military officer. Peitontan's move was accused of damaging the dignity and image of the country.
Ms. Petuntan has defended herself by saying that her call with Mr. Hun Sen was for the purpose of maintaining peace and security at the border, and that the wording was a "private communication tactic," a diplomatic tactic that did not violate the Constitution.
Petuntan: The original intention was to serve the national interest
Petuntan did not go to the Constitutional Court on the 29th, but went to the Prime Minister's Office that afternoon to hear the ruling through live broadcast. A large number of media reporters waited for her to appear at the Prime Minister's Office.
After the court's ruling, Petontan told the media at the Prime Minister's Office that he respected the ruling of the Constitutional Court, but reiterated that his original intention was for the national interest and that his most important thing was always the lives of the people. He hoped that all parties could unite and restore political stability in the future.
Who might be the new prime minister?
The Thai constitution stipulates that when the prime minister's office is terminated, all cabinet members must also step down. The lower house of parliament will be responsible for selecting a new prime minister of Thailand. Acting Prime Minister Putan will lead the rest of the cabinet to continue to perform caretaker duties until the new cabinet is inaugurated. The Thai constitution does not stipulate the time for selecting a new prime minister.
There are currently five candidates for prime minister who meet the requirements, namely: Chakson Nidsiri, the main candidate launched by the Pheu Thai Party, Anutin, the leader of the Pheu Thai Party, former Prime Minister Prayuth, and Piraphan Sharilratawi Pagar and Julin Rashanawisi, who are affiliated with the Thai Unity and National Party respectively.
Analysts believe that the current fragile ruling coalition, which has a narrow majority in the lower house of parliament, lacks a prominent candidate to succeed the prime minister, and the lower house may undergo multiple rounds of voting to determine the new prime minister.
Will there be a new election?
In addition, the debate in Thailand on whether to dissolve the lower house of parliament and hold a new lower house election under the current situation has continued for many days. If Putan finally chooses to dissolve the lower house, the law stipulates that a new election must be held within 45 to 60 days. But before that, politicians and petitioners are expected to ask the Constitutional Court to rule on the legality of the move, and the Thai political situation may be further trapped in the cycle of "judicial politics".
If the early election of the House of Commons is triggered, Thailand's political situation will face a reshuffle, and there is the possibility of street protests and political confrontations again.
Analysts pointed out that no matter what the outcome is, Thailand will face the risk of increasing political uncertainty and hindering economic recovery in the short term.
Source: Xinhua News Agency