Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Government House in Bangkok on July 10, 2022. (STEFANI REYNOLDS / POOL / AFP)

BANGKOK - Suspended Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is to attend a defense ministry meeting on Thursday as a longtime ally begins his first full day as acting premier while a court ponders Prayuth's future.

Prayuth, 68, retained his cabinet position as defense minister after the Constitutional Court on Wednesday suspended him from the top job pending a review of his constitutionally mandated term limit.

The Constitutional Court decided to hear a petition from the main opposition party arguing that Prayuth has reached the eight-year term

The court decided to hear a petition from the main opposition party arguing that Prayuth has reached the eight-year term. The court suspended Prayuth until it delivers a verdict on the petition. It has not given a date.

Prayuth has made no public comment on the court's decision and it was not clear if he would speak about the matter on Thursday.

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A government spokesperson said on Wednesday Prayuth respected the decision and urged the public to do the same, and the government would function as normal.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, 77, has taken over as interim leader but was not expected to make a public appearance on Thursday. Thailand's next general election is due by May next year.

Prayuth's supporters argue that his term started in 2017, when a new constitution took effect, or after the 2019 election, meaning that he should be allowed to stay in power until 2025 or 2027.

Even if the court later rules Prayuth's term has reached its limit, his ruling coalition has the votes in parliament to choose the next prime minister.

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