Thailand has caretaker prime minister

Prawit Wongsuwon (Photo: The Nation)

Bangkok (VNA) - Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon is now caretaker prime minister of Thailand while Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha remains in cabinet in his role as defence minister, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on August 24.

Anucha said Gen Prawit will remain caretaker prime minister until the Constitutional Court makes its ruling on Gen Prayut's tenure as prime minister, the Bangkok Post reported.

Gen Prayut continues to serve as defence minister in the cabinet, he said.

The spokesman's statement cleared the air over who would temporarily guide the cabinet in the wake of the court's order.

Gen Prawit is highest in the hierarchy of the six deputy prime ministers, according to an order of the Prime Minister's Office signed by Gen Prayut in 2020.
The court accepted the petition of the opposition parties questioning the eight-year tenure of Gen Prayut and ordered him suspend from premiership until the judges’ ruling. The order took effect immediately

"Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha hopes that people will respect the decision of the court and avoid making criticism of the performance of the court," the spokesman said./.

VNA