Paetongtarn respects court’s ruling but maintains her integrity

Ousted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra says she respects the Constitutional Court’s decision that removed her from office, but insisted that her intention has always been to do her best for the country, with her true aim being to protect the lives of Thai citizens and soldiers.

Paetongtarn was speaking at Government House after the Court’s decision today to remove her as prime minister, over her controversial conversation with Hun Sen concerning a deadly border clash between the two countries.

The Court found her guilty of committing gross ethical misconduct during the conversation.

“The Court’s decision will lead to changes in Thai politics. I call for unity, to build stability in Thai politics and prevent events like this from happening again,” she said.

As a Thai citizen, she thanked the people of Thailand, saying she was proud to have served the country and to have opened opportunities for its people.

Paetongtarn also expressed gratitude to the public for the opportunities and experiences that helped her understand her own strengths and weaknesses.

She said she will still be around to offer moral support to those who will lead the next government.