Prime Minister Paetongtarn presents a defense in response to the disclosed private recording
In the heart of political drama, suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has submitted her defense to the Constitutional Court in the leaked recording case with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The court's verdict, scheduled for August 29, 2025, could potentially remove her from office.
The case stems from an ethics complaint by 36 senators accusing Paetongtarn of harming national interests in the leaked recording. Her defense, presented by her legal team, includes a complete package of evidence. However, the final decision by the Court is still pending.
Paetongtarn has emphasized that her comments were part of her negotiation technique, not an improper offer of favors. She clarified her remarks concerning Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of the Second Army Region, stating that they were not intended as a criticism or a suggestion of opposition.
In the leaked recording, Paetongtarn is heard saying, "If there’s anything you want, just let me know – I’ll take care of it." She argues that this statement was intended to encourage the other side to articulate their conditions or expectations first.
Paetongtarn also addressed the issue between herself and Lt Gen Boonsin, stating that there is no conflict between the prime minister and the Second Army Region. She offered an explanation and issued an apology to the commander following the leak of the recording. The commander affirmed he took no offence at her remarks and held no grievances over the matter.
Paetongtarn's birthday falls on Aug 21. Despite questions about her future, she remained tight-lipped when asked if she would stay until the very last moment as prime minister.
The court's judges will determine whether the conversation constitutes a serious breach of ethics under the constitution. The outcome remains uncertain as the Court prepares to issue its verdict later this week.
[1] Constitutional Court to rule on suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s defense on August 29. (2025). The Nation. Retrieved from https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30408462
[2] Paetongtarn's defense in Constitutional Court over leaked recording case with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. (2025). Bangkok Post. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2064785/paetongtarn-s-defense-in-constitutional-court-over-leaked-recording-case-with-cambodian-senate-president-hun-sen
[3] Paetongtarn submits defense to Constitutional Court in leaked recording case with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. (2025). Thai PBS World. Retrieved from https://world.thaiPBS.or.th/english/news/politics/74882/Paetongtarn-submits-defense-to-Constitutional-Court-in-leaked-recording-case-with-Cambodian-Senate-President-Hun-Sen
- The upcoming ruling by the Constitutional Court on August 29, 2025, regarding suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's defense in the leaked recording case with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, could significantly impact policy-and-legislation and politics, as well as general-news, due to its potential implications for her future in office.
- As the verdict in the leaked recording case involving Paetongtarn progresses, war-and-conflicts may arise, depending on the court's decision, given the political drama surrounding her suspended position and the accusations of harming national interests.
