Bangkok: Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, an academic, has expressed concerns regarding the Constitutional Court’s handling of a petition involving Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The petition, which invokes Section 170, paragraph three, and Section 82 of the Constitution, questions whether the Prime Minister has seriously violated ethical standards, potentially ending her ministerial position. This case revolves around an audio clip of a conversation with Samdech Hun Sen about the Thai-Cambodian border situation.

According to Thai News Agency, the Constitutional Court had initially given Prime Minister Paetongtarn 15 days to submit necessary documents, extending the deadline twice-first by 15 days and then by an additional five days. The final deadline was set for Monday, August 4th, when the Prime Minister submitted her clarification.

Somchai highlighted that the Constitutional Court usually convenes on Wednesdays, suggesting that a decision should have been made by August 6th. However, as of August 12th, no progress has been reported. He attributed the delay to the absence of five Constitutional Court judges-Mr. Nakarin Mektrairat, Mr. Udom Sithiwirattham, Mr. Nopadol Theppitak, Mr. Udom Rathamrit, and Mr. Sumet Roycharoenkul-who were engaged in a study tour in India.

Speculating further, Somchai predicted that a decision might occur on August 13, with potential dates for resolution being August 20 or 27, 2025. He cautioned against any further delays, emphasizing the importance of resolving this significant case to avoid leaving the country with only an acting prime minister. Somchai suggested that any delay could enable Ms. Paetongtarn to resign, preserving her political future, and potentially allowing the court to avoid making a formal decision.

He concluded by urging observers to “Wait and see tomorrow whether there will be an appointment or not.”