Thai PM Srettha Removed by Constitutional Court

Thailand's Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office for an ethics violation, specifically for appointing a minister with a criminal record. The court ruled 5-4 that Srettha demonstrated a lack of integrity by appointing Pichit Chuenban, who was jailed in 2008 for attempting to bribe a court official. This ruling follows the recent dissolution of the Move Forward Party, escalating political instability in the country. Srettha is the fourth Thai premier in 16 years to be ousted by the same court. Parliament will now convene to select a new prime minister, with Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai serving as caretaker leader in the interim. The decision comes amid economic challenges, including weak exports, high household debt, and struggling small businesses.