Thai Prime Minister Pushing Casino Policy Dismissed From Office

Thailand has been plunged into political uncertainty following the dismissal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin by the country’s Constitutional Court. Srettha was removed after the court ruled that he had violated ethical standards by appointing Pichit Chuenban, a former lawyer with a criminal conviction, to his Cabinet. The decision marks the fourth time in 16 years that a Thai prime minister has been removed by the Constitutional Court.

The court’s ruling came after a petition filed by 40 senators accused Srettha of failing to uphold moral and ethical standards in his appointment of Pichit, who had served a six-month prison sentence in 2008. Multiple media outlets have reported that five of the court’s nine judges voted in favor of Srettha’s dismissal, stating that the prime minister was “well aware” of Pichit’s past and still chose to appoint him.

In response to the ruling, Srettha expressed his disappointment but accepted the verdict. He was quoted as saying in an August 16 report published by Aljazeera, “I respect the verdict. I reiterate that for the almost one year I have been in this role, I have tried with good intentions to lead the country with honesty.”

He also noted the uncertainty surrounding whether the next government would continue his policies aimed at boosting Thailand’s economy and positioning the country as a global tourism hub.

With Srettha’s removal, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to take over as caretaker prime minister until a new leader is chosen. Parliament is set to convene on Friday to nominate and vote on a replacement for Srettha.

Meanwhile, the dismissal of Srettha comes at a critical time as Thailand is in the process of drafting the Entertainment Complex Bill, which aims to legalize casino resort businesses in the country. The bill, which is currently undergoing public consultation until August 18, outlines the formation of a “Policy Committee” that will include the prime minister, a deputy prime minister, and five ministers. This committee will be responsible for determining the number of licenses for casino entertainment complexes, designating operating areas, and recommending tax rates for casino businesses.

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