On July 1st, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning presided over a routine meeting.
AFP asked if China had any comments on the suspension of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s powers by the country’s Constitutional Court and the investigation into her controversial actions in diplomatic relations with Cambodia.
“This is Thailand’s internal matter, and I do not comment,” said Mao Ning. As friendly neighbors, China hopes for Thailand’s stability and development.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Takes Over as Acting Prime Minister
According to news reports, on July 1st local time, following the suspension of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transportation Soraya Jumrongsri Rajabhat offered to take over as Acting Prime Minister.
Earlier that day, the Constitutional Court decided to accept the impeachment petition against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and suspended her from her duties as Prime Minister. According to the court’s statement, nine judges voted 9-0 in favor of the petition, and 7-2 in favor of deciding to suspend Prayut Chan-o-cha’s powers until a final ruling is made.
After being suspended from office, Prayut Chan-o-cha issued a new statement: Apologies to the public and will continue to serve the country.
△On July 1st local time, Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed acceptance of the decision made by the Constitutional Court.
Following her suspension from the Prime Minister’s position, Prayut Chan-o-cha stated she accepted the decision made by the Constitutional Court and “expressed her apologies to the Thai people who are concerned about this matter.”
Prayut Chan-o-cha told the media at the Prime Minister’s Office, “As a Thai citizen, I will continue to serve the country.” Additionally, Prayut Chan-o-cha mentioned she would submit her defense materials to the Constitutional Court within 15 days.
Earlier on the same day, the Constitutional Court decided to accept the impeachment petition against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and suspended her from her duties as Prime Minister. According to the court’s statement, nine judges voted 9-0 in favor of the petition, and 7-2 in favor of deciding to suspend Prayut Chan-o-cha’s powers until a final ruling is made.
On June 20th, the Speaker of the Thai Parliament submitted an impeachment petition against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to the Constitutional Court, alleging that her phone call with the Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen violated constitutional norms and ethical standards.
Source: News on Chang’an Street Zhishi Editor: Cai Haiyan Chief Editor: Xie Jian Reviewer: Wang Rong