Thailand Court to Rule on PM's Cabinet Appointment

Thailand's Constitutional Court is set to announce its verdict on August 14 regarding a legal challenge that seeks to dismiss Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over the appointment of Pichit Chuenban, a lawyer with a controversial history, to his cabinet. The complaint was filed by a group of former senators, citing allegations of misconduct related to Pichit's past imprisonment for contempt of court, although the bribery charges were never proven. Srettha has defended the appointment, asserting it was thoroughly vetted and above board. A ruling in favor of dismissal could destabilize the government, necessitating a new prime minister and potentially fracturing the ruling coalition led by Srettha's Pheu Thai Party. Additionally, the court's decision follows another significant ruling concerning the opposition Move Forward Party, which is facing scrutiny over its proposed amendments to laws protecting the monarchy, further complicating Thailand's political landscape. The outcomes of these cases may reignite longstanding power struggles in the country.