The Thai court will decide on Prayuth’s tenure as PM Sept 30

The Thai court will decide on Prayuth’s tenure as PM Sept 30

His supporters claim that his term began in 2014 when he was elected to power. However, the opposition claims otherwise.

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has said it will deliver its closely watched decision on whether general-turned-politician Prayuth Chan-Ocha can remain as prime minister on September 30.

Prime ministers should not serve more than eight years in their office.

In August, the opposition filed the case. They argued that Prayuth’s time in power following the 2014 coup should count toward Prayuth’s constitutionally-imposed term limit. After the 2019 elections that were held under a military constitution, he was elected civilian prime minister.

Prayuth (68) has been suspended as the court considers the case. Prawit Wongsuwan has assumed caretaker duties. He remains defense minister.

His supporters argued that the eight years he served should be counted starting in 2017, or from 2019 when the new constitution went into effect.

Protesters had been calling for Prayuth’s release for many months. They were back out on the streets again when the constitutional court ruled that it would hear the petition and that the prime minister would be suspended during the review.

These protests, which have been ongoing since 2020, also included unprecedented calls to reform the country’s powerful monarchy.

Thailand has strict laws regarding lese-majeste. On Tuesday, an activist wearing a pink dress while she walked down the red carpet at a mock fashion event held during one of the protests was arrested for two years. She was found guilty of insulting Thailand’s queen.

Jatuporn “New” Saeoueng wore pink as she walked down the red carpet at a rally that was meant to counter a fashion show hosted by a daughter-in-law.

Queen Suthida is often seen wearing elegant silk clothes on formal occasions. At these events, an attendant usually holds a ceremonial umbrella.