BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has no contingency plans in place ahead of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This was confirmed by Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. He reaffirmed confidence in the prime minister’s integrity, insisting that her actions have not favored Cambodia amid allegations tied to a leaked audio clip.
The Constitutional Court is set to hear testimonies from Prime Minister Paetongtarn and National Security Council chief on 21 August regarding a controversial phone conversation allegedly involving Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen. The court’s ruling is scheduled for 29 August.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn has been suspended from her duties pending the outcome of the case, following a petition filed by a group of senators who accuse her of dishonesty and breaching political ethics.
When asked whether the government has prepared for any political fallout should the prime minister be forced to step down, Mr. Phumtham emphasized that the government is standing by her and that any developments will follow democratic processes. He also highlighted the administration’s commitment to transparency and respect for the judicial system.
Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party-list MP Wisut Chaiyarun acknowledged internal differences within the party over how the situation should proceed. Some members support a swift resolution, while others prefer to wait for the scheduled court ruling. Despite these differences, he affirmed that party members are united in their support for Paetongtarn and trust her commitment to the nation.
Mr. Wisut added that the prime minister has no intention of resigning before the ruling, and that the party has made no alternative political preparations, standing firm behind her leadership. (NNT)
