Paetongtarn faces final court hearing over Hun Sen phone call

Embattled Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended the Constitutional Court’s final hearing this morning over her controversial telephone conversation with Cambodia’s strongman Hun Sen.

The Court had earlier suspended Paetongtarn from duty pending consideration of a petition filed by a group of senators concerning the conversation, which took place as border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated into open hostilities.

The petition accuses her of gross ethical misconduct and dishonesty in connection with the call.

Paetongtarn arrived with Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to the prime minister. She declined to speak to reporters who asked how she felt as today marks her 39th birthday.

Her husband, Pitak Sooksawasdi, and her elder sister, Pinthongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, later joined her and saw her off as she proceeded to the courtroom for the hearing.

Her attendance at the hearing was voluntary, as the Court had invited her but made clear that it was her decision whether or not to appear.

Her legal team had earlier submitted her defence to the Court, explaining why she, as Thailand’s prime minister during a conflict with Cambodia, referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and described the Second Army Region commander overseeing the border fighting as “an opponent.”

On the petitioner’s side, General Sawat Tatsana and Pol Lt Gen Chatwat Saengphet, both senators who filed the petition, were present for the hearing. As Ms. Paetongtarn arrived, there was a brief encounter between her and the petitioners before she entered the courtroom, though no greetings or exchanges took place.

Only the opening and closing parts of the hearing were broadcast to an observation room for those allowed to follow the proceedings.

The Constitutional Court set August 27 for the closing session, with the verdict to be handed down on August 29.