Bangkok: The Constitutional Court has granted Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra an extension to submit a statement addressing allegations related to a controversial conversation with Hun Sen, the President of the Senate of Cambodia. This extension, which is the second in this case, gives the Prime Minister until August 4th to provide her defense. The Court emphasized that this would be the final extension, and failure to submit a statement by this date will be considered acceptance of the allegations.
According to Thai News Agency, the Constitutional Court’s decision followed a petition from the Senate President, backed by 36 senators, seeking clarification on Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra’s ministerial status under the constitutional provisions. The case revolves around an audio clip that surfaced in 2015, featuring a conversation between Ms. Paethongtarn and Samdech Hun Sen. While Ms. Paethongtarn admitted to the conversation, she claimed it was a private dialogue aimed at maintaining Thailand’s peace and sovereignty.
The petitioners argue that Ms. Paethongtarn has not adequately fulfilled her responsibilities as Prime Minister, alleging that her personal ties with Cambodia influenced her decisions. They contend that she has failed to take necessary measures and engage in international negotiations, thus questioning her ethical conduct and honesty. Consequently, they have requested the Constitutional Court to terminate her ministerial position and suspend her duties pending a final ruling.
In response to these allegations, Ms. Paethongtarn sought an additional 15 days to prepare her defense, citing the ongoing collection of evidence. The Constitutional Court, in a close 5 to 4 decision, approved the extension. However, dissenting judges Mr. Panya Udchachan, Mr. Wirun Saengthian, Mr. Jiranit Hawanon, and Mr. Banjongsak Wongprachan opposed this decision.
The Constitutional Court has warned that if Ms. Paethongtarn fails to meet the new deadline, it will be assumed she has no further objections, and the trial will proceed under the specified legal framework.