Bangkok: The Prime Minister nodded in approval of the Constitutional Court’s decision on August 29th. The positive sentiment was evident after the hearing of the audio clip case concluded, with the public enthusiastically chanting, “Fight, Prime Minister!” The Constitutional Court has scheduled a reading of its verdict on August 29, reiterating that the dissemination of information and distortion are prohibited.
According to Thai News Agency, after approximately one and a half hours of questioning by Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister and Minister of Culture, concerning the audio clip of a conversation between Ms. Paethongtarn and Samdech Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, the Constitutional Court resumed broadcasting the matter on closed-circuit television. Mr. Nakarin Mektrairat, President of the Constitutional Court, stated that the court had recorded the audio and video of the hearing. He reiterated that those listening to the hearing are prohibited from disseminating information and from distorting facts and the law in a manner that could mislead the public.
The court has ordered the parties to submit closing statements by Monday, August 25th, earlier than the original deadline of August 27th. Failure to do so will be considered a no-confidence motion. The court has scheduled an oral statement for discussion and a vote on August 29th at 9:30 a.m., with the verdict set to be read the same day at 3:00 p.m.
Reporters noted that during the interrogation, the Prime Minister maintained a calm expression in the courtroom. At 1:24 PM, the Prime Minister departed from the courtroom with her husband, Mr. Pitak Suksawat, and Ms. Pinthongtha Shinawatra Kunakornwong. Supporters from the public were present to offer encouragement, shouting for continued resilience, to which the Prime Minister responded with a gesture of thanks and a smile.
Efforts by reporters to inquire about the Prime Minister’s morale and well-being were met with a nod of agreement, but no verbal response. Before leaving the Constitutional Court, the Prime Minister engaged with Mrs. Sara Sasanakul, 75, who had traveled from Pathum Thani Province to show her support after following the news for three days. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude by shaking her hand, prompting an emotional response from Mrs. Sara, who was moved to tears.