2024 RT Amination Banner.gif

China Daily

Asia Pacific> Asia News> Content
Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:23
Suspended Thai PM Prayuth says to continue as defense minister
By Reuters
Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:23 By Reuters

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha leaves after his weekly cabinet meeting at the Government House in Bangkok on Aug 23, 2022. (JACK TAYLOR / AFP)

BANGKOK - Suspended Thai leader Prayuth Chan-ocha said on social media he will continue in his role as defense minister, in his first direct address to the public since a court ordered him to cease his duties as prime minister while it reviews his term limit.

A government spokesperson, Anucha Burapachaisri, said on Friday the cabinet continues to function as normal

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan is serving as acting prime minister.

"I will continue to do my duty and responsibility as defense minister for the people and Thailand every day," Prayuth said on his official Twitter account late on Thursday.

ALSO READ: Suspended Thai PM to attend defense ministry meeting

The Constitutional Court on Wednesday decided to hear a petition brought by the main opposition party arguing that Prayuth's years spent as the chief of a military junta after he took power in a 2014 coup, should count toward his overall time in office. The constitution stipulates a term limit of eight years for the prime minister. 

It remains unclear when the court will deliver a decision on the review.

ALSO READ: Thai Constitutional Court suspends Prayut's premiership

A government spokesperson, Anucha Burapachaisri, said on Friday the cabinet continues to function as normal.


Share this story