Prommin Lertsuridej, Paetongtarn Shinawatra's secretary, confirmed on 4/8 that her defense documents were complete and that he had submitted them to Thailand's Constitutional Court on her behalf.
"I fully believe in Paetongtarn's good intentions and her sincere desire to help the country escape violence. That has always been her main motivation," Prommin said.
On 1/7, Thailand's Constitutional Court accepted a petition from 36 senators requesting an investigation into Paetongtarn's phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen in June. They also voted to suspend her from her duties as prime minister from 1/7 until a ruling is issued. During this process, she was allowed to submit a defense.
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Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok, Thailand, on 1/7. Photo: Reuters |
Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok, Thailand, on 1/7. Photo: Reuters
Prommin explained that Paetongtarn's call with Hun Sen was not made in an official capacity representing Thailand, but as part of an effort to de-escalate border tensions and minimize casualties and damage. He suggested that such conversations prevented violence from erupting for a period, but ultimately, conflict still broke out between the two countries.
"Afterwards, we worked to ensure a ceasefire and reduce hardship for civilians. Throughout this process, Paetongtarn's guiding principle was to cooperate closely with the military to protect the country," Prommin said.
Regarding Paetongtarn's current situation, who is also the Thai Minister of Culture, Prommin said she respects the decision to suspend her from the prime minister's office and is awaiting the court's ruling.
"We hope the ruling will reflect Paetongtarn's sincere efforts to bring peace and stability to the country," Prommin said.
In the leaked recording of the phone call, Paetongtarn spoke with Hun Sen, who has a long-standing relationship with the Shinawatra family, about the border dispute between the two nations. She criticized the commander of the Thai army's 2nd Army Area for "just wanting to look cool" and escalating tensions, suggesting that the Cambodian side should disregard his statements.
Paetongtarn addressed Hun Sen as "uncle" and said, "If you need anything, just tell me, and I'll take care of it."
After the recording was leaked, Paetongtarn held a press conference and apologized to the public for "causing public concern," but maintained that the statements in the phone call were merely negotiation tactics aimed at de-escalating border tensions.
Ngoc Anh (National Thailand, Thai Enquirer, Straits Times)
