Suspended Thai PM Prayuth says to continue as defence minister

FILE PHOTO: Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha speaks during a news conference after a cabinet meeting at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, September 22, 2020. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/Files

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Suspended Thai leader Prayuth Chan-ocha said on social media he will continue in his role as defence minister, in his first direct address to the public since a court ordered him to cease his duties as prime minister while it reviews his term limit.

"I will continue to do my duty and responsibility as defence minister for the people and Thailand every day," Prayuth said on the Twitter account of the prime minister's office late on Thursday.