Kathmandu: Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been dismissed by the court on charges of violating the constitution. This incident has plunged the Thai monarchy into further political uncertainty. Just a week ago, the same court dissolved the country’s popular progressive Move Forward Party. The party had won the most seats in the last election. Additionally, the party’s leaders have been banned from politics for 10 years.

On Wednesday, Bangkok’s Constitutional Court delivered a harsh verdict, removing Srettha from office for violating ethical rules by appointing a lawyer who had been imprisoned to his cabinet.

Out of the nine judges in the court, five voted in favor of dismissing Srettha and his cabinet.

The ruling Pheu Thai-led coalition will propose a new prime ministerial candidate who must secure a majority in the 500-seat parliament. The Pheu Thai party, founded by established Thai political player Thaksin Shinawatra, holds only 141 seats in parliament. Last week, the same court dissolved Move Forward, the largest party with 151 members in parliament, citing its inclusion of criticism of the monarchy in its election manifesto.

Speaking to reporters after the decision, ousted PM Srettha said he had performed his duties as prime minister to the best of his ability. He stated, “I accept the court’s decision,” but expressed doubts that the next government would continue his policies.