PROSPECT OF UPHEAVAL
If Srettha is removed, a new government must be formed. Pheu Thai would need to put forward a new prime ministerial candidate to be voted on by parliament, with no guarantee of success and the prospect of a major shakeup in the governing alliance.
The case has heightened political instability and roiled financial markets in Thailand as it struggles to recover from the pandemic on Srettha’s watch.
But the real estate tycoon who entered politics just months before last year’s election is plodding on.
“The prime minister is continuing to do his job normally,” said Prommin. “Frankly speaking … there is some distraction for sure. But then, you know, we are confident.”
As Prommin spoke on Thursday, Srettha was on the resort island of Phuket, overseeing a beach conservation project as part of his government push to bolster tourism, one of the few bright spots in Thailand’s economy.
The ruling on Srettha will come a week after the same court ordered the dissolution of its rival Move Forward, the biggest party in parliament, which was due to unveil a new party and leadership on Friday.
Move Forward won the 2023 election but was blocked from forming a government when military-backed lawmakers in both houses closed ranks.
Prommin, who was a member of Thai Rak Thai, one of Pheu Thai’s previous incarnations dissolved by courts, said that in a democracy, one must be “very cautious” about disbanding parties representing the will of the people.
“We have been the victim before. At least three times, we have already been dissolved,” he said.
“So, if I say it’s good, I don’t think I am saying the truth.”
