The Constitutional Court is expected to consider the Opposition’s request for it to interpret the length of the prime minister’s term in office tomorrow (24 August). Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam asserts that any court order for the prime minister to temporarily suspend work will not affect the performance of the Cabinet.
Mr. Wissanu explained the Constitutional Court meets every Wednesday and it remains to be seen whether the court will accept the interpretation request. He expressed his belief the court has no reason to turn down the request. Also, it remains to be seen whether the court will order a suspension of the duties of the prime minister. If this is the case, Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon will assume the prime minister’s role. Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha will remain in the Cabinet as Minister of Defense. However, if the court does not order a suspension of duties, Gen. Prayut will continue to perform in the capacity of prime minister until a verdict is released.
Mr. Wissanu explained that current political office holders and civil servants may carry on their duties without being at odds with the law. This applies regardless of whether or not a suspension of the prime minister’s duties is ordered.
Under the current charter, the prime minister’s term is limited to 8 years. Debate has been ongoing about when Gen. Prayut officially started his term. He first assumed premiership on August 24, 2014, but the current Constitution came into force only on April 6, 2017. Some parties argue the count should start from when Gen. Prayut assumed the premiership on June 9, 2019, following the latest general election.
Mr. Wissanu said even if the court verdict removes Gen. Prayut from his prime minister post, the Cabinet will continue to perform and carry out relevant duties. He added Gen. Prayut would legally still be able to perform as acting prime minister but this would depend on the latter’s decision. Nonetheless, the House speaker will then appoint a new prime minister in accordance with the name list submitted by coalition parties.
. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam asserts that any court order for the prime minister to temporarily suspend work will not affect the performance of the Cabinet.){kind=link}