Thailand has descended into political chaos after the Constitutional Court officially dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on August 29th for violating ethical conduct rules in handling a border dispute with Cambodia.

Phumtham Wechayachai has become the acting prime minister, leading the caretaker cabinet until a new government is formed, possibly as early as next week.

On the morning of August 30th, the Thai cabinet held a special meeting to approve Mr. Phumtham as acting Prime Minister, but no further major decisions were made.

The Thai cabinet also refused to mention or discuss the dissolution of the current House of Representatives.

Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council Natthapon Nakpanich emphasized that the interim government and the current power vacuum will not affect Thailand’s ability to protect its sovereignty, amid a fragile ceasefire on the border with Cambodia.

“There is no problem. The Army Commander-in-Chief has assigned responsibility to handle specific situations,” he said.

Parliament could vote for a new prime minister as early as next week, but so far there is no clear replacement candidate for Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Parties are actively negotiating to try to secure a majority vote.

According to the Thai Constitution, only candidates who were nominated in the 2023 general election are eligible to run for prime minister. Among them, four have been disqualified, including three who were banned by the court and one whose party did not secure enough parliamentary seats.

The remaining four figures include Mr. Prayut Chan-O-Cha, a former general who staged a coup in 2014 and served as prime minister until 2023, and Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, a former partner in Ms. Paetongtarn’s coalition government.

The Bhumjaithai Party and the People’s Party have reached an agreement to form a caretaker government in Thailand, ending the prolonged political deadlock and paving the way for a referendum to amend the Constitution.

Constitutional Court

The Constitutional Court is South Korea’s highest judicial body for constitutional review, established in 1988 following the country’s democratic reforms. It has the authority to interpret the Constitution, review legislation, and adjudicate impeachment cases and constitutional complaints. The Court has played a pivotal role in safeguarding civil liberties and strengthening South Korea’s constitutional democracy since its inception.

National Security Council

The National Security Council (NSC) is a key forum in the executive branch of the U.S. government, established by the National Security Act of 1947. Its primary function is to advise and assist the President on national security and foreign policy matters, coordinating policies across various government agencies.

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, established in 1789 by the Constitution. It is composed of representatives who are elected from congressional districts across the country, with representation based on the population of each state. Its primary responsibilities include initiating revenue bills, impeaching federal officials, and electing the President in the case of an electoral college tie.

Bhumjaithai Party

The Bhumjaithai Party is a major political party in Thailand, founded in 2008 by veteran politician Anutin Charnvirakul. It is a populist party with a strong rural base, historically known for its signature policy of legalizing cannabis in 2022 and its advocacy for the decentralization of power.

People’s Party

The People’s Party, also known as the Populist Party, was a significant left-wing political movement in the United States during the late 19th century. It was formed in 1891 by farmers, laborers, and reformers who were discontent with economic inequality and the power of big banks and railroads. The party’s platform championed the free coinage of silver, government ownership of railroads, and a graduated income tax, influencing the platforms of the major parties for decades to come.