Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has defended Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin against criticism that he has taken a break for four days from today to be with his family.

Phumtham, who is also the commerce minister, said today that taking a holiday is quite normal, adding that the prime minister will spend the time with his family after his return from Japan, where he met his son, who travelled from the United States to join him for the homecoming flight.

He also said that the prime minister does not have to work from Government House and can work anywhere and can assign one of the deputy prime ministers to act on his behalf during his temporary absence.

Phumtham said that the other ministers are entitled to take a leave as well.