After a border conflict broke out between Thailand and Cambodia, a private phone call between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn and President of the Cambodian Senate Hun Sen was leaked. In the call, Paetongtarn blamed the Thai soldiers on her own side, leading to strong dissatisfaction among the Thai public and her subsequent suspension by the court. The Thai Constitutional Court will issue a verdict on Paetongtarn’s case on Friday (29th) afternoon.
The panel of nine judges began their deliberations in the morning, and the verdict is expected to be announced at 3 p.m. Thai time (4 p.m. Malaysian time) in the afternoon.
Analysts point out that the judgement of the Constitutional Court this time will affect the future direction of Thai politics. If Paetongtarn is found not guilty, she will resume her duties as Prime Minister, which will facilitate stability for the Pheu Thai Party and the government; if Paetongtarn is officially removed from office, the government will face a reshuffle or even a possible snap election.
Analysts believe that the string of legal cases involving Paetongtarn and Thaksin is under intense scrutiny both in Thailand and abroad, and will directly influence the future political landscape of Thailand. If the verdict results in a government change, it will intensify divisions in Thai society and lead to greater political uncertainty. Continued political turmoil will impact Thailand’s economic recovery and hit investor confidence.
On August 16 last year, Paetongtarn was elected as the new Prime Minister of Thailand after receiving support from a majority of MPs in a special session of Thailand’s House of Representatives. Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn subsequently approved her appointment, making her the youngest Prime Minister in Thai history.
Later, on September 6, Paetongtarn and the new cabinet members had an audience with King Vajiralongkorn and were sworn into office before him.