Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said on Tuesday he would be glad if suspended Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha survives a Constitutional Court ruling on when his eight-year tenure ends.
The court has set Friday for its ruling on the dispute regarding when Gen Prayut's eight-year term limit as premier began and ends. On Aug 24, the court voted 5-4 to suspend Gen Prayut until it hands down its ruling on his term limit.
Gen Prawit, who is serving as acting prime minister during the suspension, said he would be glad if the court ruling is in Gen Prayut's favour.
When asked if they would listen to the court's ruling together, Gen Prawit said they would go about their business as normal on that day. "I'll do my work. The prime minister will do his. It's business as usual," he said.
Gen Prawit also said he and Gen Prayut have not discussed the matter even though they talk to each other daily. Regarding the risk of possible anti-government protests on Friday, he said there have been no reports indicating this would occur.
The 77-year-old leader of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) gave a bashful smile when reporters commented on his busy schedule over the past month visiting people in the provinces, and asked him to share his secret.
According to several political observers, Gen Prawit has changed drastically from a frail-looking man to a physically active person since assuming prime ministerial duties and making trips upcountry.
But Gen Prawit appeared agitated when asked about the Pheu Thai Party's claim that he could have violated election campaign rules when attending a festival in Phetchabun. He insisted the distribution of auspicious food including desserts at the "Um Phra Dam Nam" festival has been a custom for several centuries, and pointed out that he did not hand out cash.