Bangkok: The Security Committee is set to summon Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, for further clarification regarding a controversial conversation with Samdech Hun Sen, the President of the Cambodian Senate. The Committee is investigating two audio clips related to Cambodia and plans to expedite the investigation into the identity and activities of an individual named Kleang Huat, amid concerns over his possible Thai citizenship and assets.
According to Thai News Agency, the House of Representatives’ Committee on State Security, Thai Border Affairs, National Strategy, and Reform has revealed the findings from their meeting on two audio clips. These clips include a conversation between the Thai Prime Minister and Hun Sen, as well as another clip that allegedly involves the tracking of Cambodian dissidents on Thai soil. The Committee is particularly focused on a clip suggesting Hun Sen’s orders to Kleang Huat to pursue Cambodians with differing views in Thailand, raising questions about potential legal violations.
Ms. Pannika Wanich, a committee member, highlighted that the meeting extensively discussed the audio clip implicating Hun Sen in ordering a pursuit of dissidents. The Committee invited activists Mr. Porn Panna and Mr. Suan Chamroen, who have sought asylum in the United States and New Zealand respectively, to share information via video conference. Both reported assaults after fleeing to Thailand, aligning with the audio clip’s content.
Human rights activist Ms. Pornpen Khongkhajornkiat provided information about potential refugee arrest exchanges between Thai and Cambodian authorities. The Committee is concerned with the possibility that Kleang Huat might possess Thai nationality or assets, and they intend to monitor this issue closely.
Ms. Pannika noted that the Committee is considering actions against Hun Sen under international law and Thai Criminal Law, particularly under Category 3, which pertains to offenses against the Kingdom’s security beyond its borders. The Committee is also debating whether Section 157, concerning neglect of duty, could apply to the Thai Prime Minister and relevant ministers in this case.
The possibility of international legal action against Hun Sen was acknowledged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, contingent on the facts revealed in the audio clip. Meanwhile, the police have committed to a forensic examination to verify if the voice in the clip is indeed Hun Sen’s. The National Security Council (NSC) has expressed concerns over foreign operations targeting individuals in Thailand but cited insufficient information to confirm any unofficial cooperation with Thai agencies.
Regarding the conversation between Hun Sen and Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Committee is uncertain if additional private conversation clips exist involving other foreign leaders. They emphasize the need for responsible agencies to be informed to prevent potential diplomatic repercussions. The Committee is also investigating claims that the Prime Minister’s conversation with the French President lacked diplomatic propriety.
Mr. Chutiphong Phipoppinyo, another committee member, stated that the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) would investigate Kleang Huat’s identity, citizenship, and assets in Thailand. He also plans to explore the reported assault on the Cambodian informants, including the death of Mr. Lim Kimya. Mr. Phipoppinyo intends to invite the Prime Minister to provide further clarification on her conversation with Hun Sen, as no one has yet clarified the audio clip in question.