Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on 24/6 said it had "agreed to accept and open an investigation" into a complaint from Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja. The complaint accuses Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of "serious ethical violations" for calling and speaking privately with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.

The NACC said the investigation is expected to take about 10 days. During this time, they will review an accurate translation of the conversation and summon witnesses.

The commission will also verify whether the Constitutional Court will accept a petition to remove Prime Minister Paetongtarn. The petition was submitted by a group of 36 senators led by General Sawat Tassana, chairman of the Senate Defense Committee.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra bows her head in apology during a press conference in Bangkok on 19/6. Photo: AFP

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra bows her head in apology during a press conference in Bangkok on 19/6. Photo: AFP

Thai media reported that the Constitutional Court may hold a session on 1/7 to consider the senators' petition.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn took office in 9/2024 after forming an 11-party coalition led by the Pheu Thai party. However, her coalition government is facing the risk of collapse after a recording of her 15/6 phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen was leaked, drawing criticism of the prime minister.

In the 17-minute, 6-second call, the Thai prime minister addressed the Cambodian Senate President as "uncle" and advised him to "ignore the opposition" in Thailand. This includes Second Army Area Commander Boosin Padklang, who manages the eastern border region adjacent to Cambodia.

The Royal Thai Police confirmed on 23/6 that they are processing a complaint filed by General Seripisut Temiyavej, leader of the Seri Ruam Thai Party. The complaint accuses Hun Sen of violating Thai law by secretly recording the conversation without Paetongtarn's consent and disseminating it to damage her reputation.

Hun Sen said he recorded the call for transparency and shared it with about 80 people in the government and military. A Cambodian official, angered by "insulting remarks" aimed at Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, leaked the information.

National Police Chief Kitrat Phanphet said Prime Minister Paetongtarn will likely be asked to give testimony. He confirmed that the police are not under any political pressure in the investigation and has instructed relevant units to fully examine the complaints.

A representative group from the Network of Students and People for Thailand's Reform (NSPRT) also filed a similar complaint. A third complaint from Somkid Chuakong, deputy chief of the Prime Minister's Office, is being evaluated.

General Kitrat emphasized that the next decision will depend on the evidence and witness testimony. He declined to elaborate on how Thai police would legally handle the case but pledged that authorities would act professionally, objectively, and impartially.

Thanh Danh (Thai PBS, Nation)