China hopes Thailand will 'maintain stability' after premier’s removal

ANKARA

China said Saturday it hopes Thailand will "maintain stability and continue to prosper" after Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was sacked by the Constitutional Court, state media reported.

"This is Thailand's domestic affair. As Thailand's close and friendly neighbor, we hope the country will maintain stability and continue to prosper," said a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, according to Beijing-based Xinhua News.

Paetongtarn was removed Thursday after the court ruled that she violated constitutional provisions.

The court last month accepted charges against Paetongtarn for her call with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen for deliberation, and suspended her as prime minister.

The Thai premier was heard criticizing her military, specifically the 2nd Army Region commander, for escalating border tensions with Cambodia.

Paetongtarn becomes the fifth Thai premier in 17 years who has been removed by judicial intervention.

*Writing by Aamir Latif