Powerful Thai Court Again to Decide Fate of Thaksin-Aligned Prime Minister

The Thai Constitutional Court is set to rule on the fate of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former military leader who has been in power since 2014. This decision could potentially force the removal of the fifth elected prime minister since 2008, further exacerbating Thailand's ongoing political instability. The case revolves around allegations that Prayuth has exceeded the eight-year term limit for prime ministers. Prayuth's supporters argue that the clock should have been reset when the military government he led transitioned to an elected administration in 2019. However, his opponents contend that the term limit applies regardless of the circumstances. The court's ruling has significant implications for Thailand's political landscape, as Prayuth is closely aligned with the military and has faced persistent criticism from pro-democracy groups. The decision could potentially pave the way for a new government, adding to the country's longstanding political divisions and uncertainty.