Thai Courts Hear Politically Charged Cases Threatening Government Stability

Next week, Thai courts will consider three politically significant cases, including one that might cause Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's dismissal. The Constitutional Court will address accusations against Srettha and a case aiming to disband the Move Forward Party. Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra also faces charges, heightening political uncertainty in Thailand.

Thai courts will convene on a trio of politically charged cases next week, including one that could potentially lead to the prime minister's dismissal, increasing the prospect of more governmental instability in the Southeast Asian country.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Constitutional Court said it would hear a case against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on June 18. It stems from a complaint by 40 military appointed senators in May, who alleged that he breached the constitution by making a cabinet appointment. The court also said it would hold a hearing next Tuesday in a case brought by the country's election commission that is seeking to disband the opposition Move Forward Party.

The party was the surprise winner of last year's general election, but failed to form a government after it was blocked by the conservative-royalist establishment. Meanwhile, influential former premier Thaksin Shinawatra - who returned to Thailand last August after 15 years of self-imposed exile is scheduled to be formally indicted in a criminal court for lese majeste and computer crime on Tuesday.

The court cases have ramped up political uncertainty in Southeast Asia's second-largest economy and roiled its markets. Srettha, Thaksin and the Move Forward Party deny any wrong doing.

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