BANGKOK, Thailand – The Constitutional Court has scheduled a ruling in the case involving Paethongtarn Shinawatra and an audio clip of a conversation with Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, for August 29. Paethongtarn and the Secretary of the National Security Council will be allowed to testify on August 21. Absence will be taken as waiving the right to testify.
The case stems from a complaint filed by 36 senators, following the release of an audio clip of a conversation between Paethongtarn and Hun Sen on June 18. Paethongtarn admitted the conversation was genuine but later stated it was a private phone call intended to negotiate diplomatically to maintain Thailand’s peace and sovereignty.
The complainants argue that Paethongtarn showed negligence in performing her duties, including failing to assertively handle international negotiations, and acted in a manner favoring Cambodia, thereby breaching ethical standards expected of a Prime Minister. They claim these actions could result in the termination of her ministerial position under Constitution Sections 160(4)(5) and 170(1)(4).
The court will hear two witnesses: Paethongtarn and the Secretary of the National Security Council. Parties wishing to submit closing statements must do so in writing by August 27, 2025; failure to submit will be considered a waiver. The court will hold oral arguments, deliberate, and vote on August 29 at 09:30, with the verdict scheduled at 15:00 in Courtroom 3 of the Constitutional Court. Attendance is permitted individually. (TNA)
