In Thailand, a court removed the prime minister over a scandalous appointment

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Stretta Taweesin from office for “violating ethical standards.” The reason is the appointment as a member of the government of an official who was previously convicted of attempting to bribe a judge, reports AP.

Taweesin notably appointed Pichit Chuenbana as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office during the government reshuffle in April.

In 2008, Chuenban was jailed for six months on “contempt of court” charges for allegedly attempting to bribe a judge in a case involving former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Chuenban then tried to give the judge 2 million baht ($55,000) in cash in a bag of groceries.

Pichit Chuenban resigned a few weeks after his appointment as controversy flared again over the incident.

The Constitutional Court said that although Chuenbang had already served his prison term, his behavior was dishonest. Taweesin, as Prime Minister, is responsible for vetting candidates for positions in his cabinet. The premier knew about Chuenbang’s past but appointed him anyway, so the court ruled that he violated the moral code.

Members of the Cabinet of Ministers will serve on an interim basis until parliament approves a new prime minister. Parliament has no time limits for appointing this position.

Let’s remember that a year ago, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who had been in exile for 15 years, was imprisoned in Thailand.

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