Thailand Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha today suspended Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra after a graft probe was launched against him.
The order asked government agencies concerned to conduct a graft probe against 63-year-old Sukhumbhand and said he would be reinstated if the probe cleared him. The graft probe was launched following allegations of corruption and misbehaviour in office.
Invoking Section 44 gives junta leader and the Prime Minister absolute power to give any order deemed necessary to "strengthen public unity and harmony" or to prevent any act that undermines public peace.
Prayutinvoked the article in his capacity as the chief of the National Council for Peace and Order.
The order, which was published in the Royal Gazette, stated that Sukhumband was suspended from his duty but he has not yet been removed from his post until further notice.
Sukhumbhand has been hit with a series of scandals.
An unnamed source, quoted by local media, from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said the governor was at Hong Kong airport for a transit when the order was issued.
He was on his way to Seoul to attend an event to celebrate Twin City between Bangkok and Seoul.
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