Suspended Thai Prime Minister Faces Constitutional Court in High-Stakes Case
Suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra appeared before the Constitutional Court on August 21 to attend a witness hearing in a case filed by 36 senators seeking her removal from office. The case stems from allegations of a serious ethical breach following the leak of an audio recording of a conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
Ahead of the hearing, Constitutional Court President Nakharin Mektrairat ruled that, due to the case’s implications for national security, images and audio of the proceedings would not be broadcast. He further barred attendees from disseminating or distorting details of the testimony in ways that could mislead the public. On the petitioners’ side, representatives including Gen Sawat Tasana and Pol Maj Gen Chatthawat Saengphet appeared in court, while Paetongtarn, as the respondent, was accompanied by Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the National Security Council. Judges Wiroon Sangtian and Noppadon Theppitak conducted the hearing, with other court members authorised to cross-examine.
The witness examination marks a decisive stage before the court hears closing statements on August 27 and issues its ruling on August 29, which will determine the political fate of Thailand’s second female prime minister from the Shinawatra family. Paetongtarn, suspended from duty since July 1, has defended herself by arguing that her remarks to Hun Sen were part of her negotiating strategy rather than an improper concession.
