Pheu Thai Party Dismisses Possibility of Prayut Return, Paetongtarn Misses Two Cabinet Meetings
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the suspended Prime Minister of Thailand, attended the Constitutional Court hearing on August 21, 2025, over a case that could lead to her dismissal due to alleged ethics violations tied to a leaked audio clip of a phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
The court restricted media coverage during witness testimony and banned the dissemination of court content to protect national security and prevent misinformation. The hearing involved witness examination, including the National Security Council secretary-general as a witness. The court has set August 29, 2025, as the date to deliver its verdict on this matter.
Meanwhile, Paetongtarn remains suspended from her duties pending the court's ruling. This marks the second consecutive cabinet meeting she has missed. The cabinet convened as usual on Tuesday, with Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai presiding.
The case arose after a group of senators petitioned the court, accusing Paetongtarn of serious ethical breaches and lack of integrity related to the leaked conversation concerning territorial border issues with Cambodia. Paetongtarn has defended her actions by providing a detailed timeline of the situation, emphasizing her meetings and government efforts to handle the dispute peacefully and according to bilateral agreements.
It is noteworthy that Paetongtarn's absence from the cabinet meetings coincides with close attention on the Constitutional Court's scheduled hearing on August 21. Attention now turns to her Constitutional Court hearing on August 29 over an audio clip with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
Meanwhile, Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong, who is also the Tourism and Sports Minister, has denied speculation that Privy Councillor General Prayut Chan-o-cha could return as prime minister. Sorawong expressed confidence in Paetongtarn's ability to continue in her role despite the upcoming Constitutional Court's ruling. He also stated that such claims about his knowledge of the judges' voting intentions in Paetongtarn's case were false and did not originate from Pheu Thai.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) continues a parallel investigation into the case, with a decision expected within six months, further complicating the political situation.
[1] Constitutional Court hearing for Paetongtarn Shinawatra takes place [2] Paetongtarn defends actions in leaked audio clip case [3] Constitutional Court bans media coverage and dissemination of court content [4] National Security Council secretary-general called as witness in Paetongtarn's case [5] NACC investigation into Paetongtarn's case continues, decision expected within six months
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