BANGKOK — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra appeared before Thailand’s Constitutional Court on August 21 for questioning in a case that could end her one-year tenure in office. The hearing coincided with her 39th birthday, drawing well-wishes from family, friends and supporters amid the political turmoil.
Thailand’s second female prime minister and mother of two has been suspended from her duties since July 1, following a major political crisis triggered by leaked audio recordings of private conversations with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The recordings emerged during diplomatic negotiations to defuse border tensions between the two countries.
The leaked audio prompted 36 senators to petition the Constitutional Court, arguing that Paetongtarn should be removed from office for lacking manifest honesty and integrity, and for seriously violating ethical standards.
Court to Rule August 29
Besides questioning Paetongtarn, the court also heard testimony from Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the National Security Council. The proceedings were held behind closed doors due to national security concerns, with no audio or video recording permitted.
The court has scheduled its verdict for August 29, prohibiting participants from disclosing testimony details or distorting facts that could mislead the public. Both sides must submit closing statements by August 25.
Track Record Spells Trouble
Despite support from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, many observers doubt Paetongtaran can survive the Constitutional Court’s scrutiny. The court’s track record with prime ministers is telling: except for General Prayuth Chan-ocha, every prime minister brought before the court—including Samak Sundaravej, Yingluck Shinawatra, and Srettha Thavisin—has been removed for lacking manifest honesty and integrity.
Opposition parties and anti-Thaksin groups have called for Paetongtarn’s resignation ahead of the verdict, convinced she will be ousted. They warn that if she survives, it would suggest a “special deal”—speculation that analysts have floated.
The Hun Sen Audio Controversy
Paetongtarn became Thailand’s 31st prime minister on August 16, 2024, after Srettha Thavisin was removed by the Constitutional Court on August 14, 2024 for appointing a minister with a controversial background—a decision the court deemed something “reasonable people should know” was inappropriate.
The crisis began on June 15 when Hun Sen’s aide contacted the Thai government requesting a phone call with Paetongtarn. She initially arranged for Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, then-Defense Minister, along with the Prime Minister’s Secretary-General and Foreign Minister to join the call at the Rosewood Hotel on Sukhumvit Road.
However, when they called Hun Sen that evening, he said he was unavailable, causing the ministers to leave. Hun Sen then called Paetongtarn’s mobile phone directly that night, secretly recording the conversation and posting it on Facebook on June 18.
Diplomatic Efforts Overshadowed
Critics focused on Paetongtarn’s comments describing the Second Army Commander as an opposition figure who “likes to talk tough to look cool,” and her openness to letting “Uncle” (Hun Sen) propose solutions she could manage. These remarks led to accusations of betraying national interests.
However, her statements emphasizing she didn’t want fighting to break out, didn’t want local residents to suffer, and wanted to defuse border tensions were largely overlooked, overshadowed by mockery that she was naive to be secretly recorded.
What’s Next
If the court rules against Paetongtarn, her entire cabinet will fall, forcing coalition parties to select a new prime minister. Pheu Thai is expected to nominate Chaikasem Nitisiri, 76, the party’s third prime ministerial candidate. A former Justice Minister and ex-Attorney General, Chaikasem currently serves as advisor to Prime Minister Paetongtarn.
If Pheu Thai can secure a parliamentary majority, Chaikasem would serve as prime minister for the remaining year and nine months until May 2027, though early dissolution remains possible given the government’s narrow 253-seat majority against the opposition’s 239 seats in the 492-member parliament.
Constitutional Deadlock Persists
The government holds just a 14-seat advantage over the opposition—only seven seats above the simple majority needed. Under the constitution, a prime ministerial candidate needs “more than half” the votes, meaning more than 246 seats.
A key problem for Thai democracy, which began recovering after the 2023 elections, is parliament’s inability to amend the 2017 constitution written during military rule. The current charter contains numerous restrictions making amendments extremely difficult, especially when the government lacks a substantial majority.
Meanwhile, several senators face investigation for alleged vote-buying in their selection process, ensuring Thailand’s political conflicts show no signs of ending—regardless of whether Paetongtarn stays or goes.
___________