Paetongtarn denies damaging PM's dignity in Constitutional Court submission
Paetongtarn's submission follows the case where the Constitutional Court is set to deliver a ruling on Aug 29 regarding a request from the Senate President to decide whether Paetongtarn's tenure as a minister has ended, based on Articles 170, paragraph 1 (4), and 160 (4) and (5) of the Constitution.
The Court will also hold hearings for two witnesses, Paetongtarn and the Secretary-General of the National Security Council, on Aug 21, with closing statements due by Aug 27.
Isranews Agency reported receiving Paetongtarn's submission in response to the case concerning her audio conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
In her submission, Paetongtarn affirmed that her actions, as alleged by the petitioner, did not violate or breach the 2021 Civil Service Code of Ethics.
Moreover, she argued that her actions did not cause harm to the dignity of the Prime Minister's office or undermine public confidence in the integrity and appropriateness of her position.
Paetongtarn has also requested the Court to allow the hearing of five expert witnesses to provide a comprehensive understanding of the case, taking into account the geopolitical context and the history of Thai-Cambodian border conflicts.
She has asked the Court to consider the following individuals:
Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the National Security Council, as a key figure involved with the military chiefs and who understands her intentions in the conversation with Hun Sen.
Unsit Sampuntharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, responsible for border governance.
Gen Puchong Rattanawan, retired expert on Cambodia, with extensive experience working in Cambodia alongside Gen Surayud Chulanont.
Lt Gen Puttipong Cheepsamut, Deputy Judge Advocate General, expert in military security law and national sovereignty issues.
Thanathip Uppatsrung, former Thai ambassador to Japan, the Philippines, and Russia, with expertise in foreign relations and diplomatic practices.
Paetongtarn emphasised that these five witnesses have profound expertise in national security, border issues, and international diplomacy, and possess knowledge of her true intentions during her conversation with Hun Sen.
She explained that her actions were in line with national security protocols and aimed at maintaining Thailand's sovereignty, rather than the alleged motives claimed by the petitioner.
Paetongtarn requested the Court to allow the examination of these witnesses to ensure a thorough, fair, and unbiased hearing of the case, thus preserving her legitimacy and status as Prime Minister.
In light of the potential damage caused by her suspension, Paetongtarn argued that continuing her duties as Prime Minister would serve the national interest and sovereignty. She asserted that this would also reinforce the government's collaboration with the military, sending a strong message to Cambodia regarding Thailand's resolve to protect its borders.
She has requested the Court to lift the interim measures that would otherwise bar her from performing her duties until a final ruling is made. This would allow her to continue her role as Prime Minister in the interim.
Paetongtarn's request includes two points:
First request: That the Court consider the testimony and evidence from the five expert witnesses in the examination and ruling process, in accordance with the 2019 Constitutional Court Procedure and the 2018 Constitutional Court Law. This would allow the Court to explore all facts comprehensively, whether in her favour or otherwise, and to evaluate all types of evidence, as mandated by the Court's regulations.
Second request: That the Court reconsider the interim measures under Section 71 of the 2018 Constitutional Court Law, lifting the order that suspends her from her duties. This would allow her to continue performing her Prime Ministerial duties until the Court renders its final decision. - The Nation/ANN
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
GOF urges faster concertina wire installation at Malaysia-Thailand border
TUMPAT: The General Operations Force (GOF) has requested urgent installation of concertina wire along a 1.8-kilometre stretch from Pos Ibrahim Pencen to Muhibbah bridge in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas. Commander of the Southeast Brigade Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid stated the area is a hotspot for illegal crossings and smuggling. He revealed smugglers had previously damaged concertina wire installed near Bukit Lata bordering Thailand. 'We fear smuggling of drugs, firearms, and illegal immigrants will worsen without immediate security measures,' he said. The Kelantan government has approved the proposal, which was also submitted to Thai authorities. Nik Ros Azhan made the remarks during a working visit with Deputy Secretary-General (Sectoral) of the Ministry of Economy Datuk Luqman Ahmad. He also urged the Home Ministry to upgrade border facilities and control posts. 'CCTV cameras and surveillance drones are critically needed for enhanced monitoring,' he added. Two completed posts are awaiting handover to GOF for operational use. The force has requested eight more control posts in high-risk areas like Pulau Tengkorak and Sungai Mentua. A new post is also proposed near the illegal Syed Agil base in Rantau Panjang to deter crime. Nik Ros Azhan stressed the need for locals to stop relying on smuggled goods for income. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat earlier announced plans to demolish 128 illegal jetties along Sungai Golok. The state government has granted permission for the demolition. - Bernama
The Star
13 hours ago
- The Star
Philippines suspends rice imports for 60 days, hitting Thai exporters
BANGKOK: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced after a Cabinet meeting that he would order a 60-day suspension of rice imports, from Sept 1 to Oct 30, to ease the impact of falling paddy prices during the harvest season. The move follows a proposal from Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, who recommended a temporary halt to rice imports. The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the domestic rice market has been under pressure from cheap imported rice, forcing some traders to buy paddy from farmers at only 8–10 pesos per kilogramme, well below the production cost of 12–14 pesos per kilogramme. Farmers blamed the influx of cheap imports as the main reason for the depressed farmgate prices. According to the Thailand's Office of Commercial Affairs in Manila, the suspension applies to regular milled rice and well-milled rice, while basmati and other speciality rice varieties will be exempted. Industry stakeholders noted that reducing imports will increase reliance on domestic harvests, pushing farmgate paddy prices higher. However, retail rice prices are also expected to rise by about 1–2 pesos per kilogramme. Thai exporters hit by Philippine rice import suspension, Commerce Ministry eyes new markets - Photo: The Nation/ANN Arada Fuangtong (pic), Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, said Thai rice exporters had reported that the Philippine government's decision to suspend rice imports would affect exports. Other rice-exporting countries would also face similar impacts, as pending orders might not be delivered before the Sept 1, 2025, deadline. She added that Philippine rice importers were discussing the matter among themselves and planned to petition the relevant authorities to allow flexibility for shipments already contracted, or alternatively to request that the suspension be lifted. Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Trade is preparing measures to support Thai rice exports and secure new orders to absorb domestic output and generate income for farmers. These measures include expanding markets and strengthening trade relations to build confidence and boost Thai rice exports. Key initiatives include accelerating government-to-government (G2G) rice sales agreements, such as the remaining 280,000 tonnes under the contract with China's state-owned COFCO; promoting exports of white rice and parboiled rice to high-demand markets such as Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq; organising a trade mission to Japan from September 7–11, 2025; and hosting a delegation of Hong Kong rice importers in Thailand in November 2025. In addition, Thailand is promoting and publicising the image of Thai rice at international trade fairs to boost opportunities and expand export channels. The Thailand Rice Convention (TRC) roadshow is also being organised, featuring seminars for rice farmers to update them on global market demand trends. The aim is to encourage farmers to produce rice varieties that align more closely with international demand, with the programme scheduled for August. In 2024, Thailand exported rice to the Philippines worth US$333 million, a 58.69% increase from US$210.45 million in 2023. During the first half of 2025 (January–June), Thailand exported about 141,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines, accounting for just 3.78% of the country's total rice exports. 'We expect overall Thai rice exports this year to reach the target of 7.5 million tonnes,' Arada said. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
16 hours ago
- The Star
Thai army to lead Asean observers keen on assessing alleged ceasefire violations at Thai-Cambodian border
BANGKOK: The Royal Thai Army (RTA) will lead the Asean Interim Observation Team (IOT) to visit the Thai-Cambodian border from Monday (Aug 18) to Wednesday (Aug 20). The mission aims to monitor alleged breaches of international law and ceasefire conditions by Cambodian troops, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub (pic) said on Sunday (Aug 17). Asean and Ottawa Convention envoys visit Si Sa Ket Jirayu noted that the visits follow two successful trips organised earlier by the Thai government for international governments and organisations. On Saturday, Asean envoys and representatives from countries that ratified the Ottawa Convention visited Si Sa Ket province. The Ottawa Convention, formally known as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, bans the use of landmines. During the visit, envoys witnessed evidence of anti-personnel mines allegedly laid by Cambodian troops and spoke directly with affected residents. Jirayu said the Thai government believed the envoys would report their findings to their respective governments and raise the issue with the international community. ICRC representatives assess humanitarian impact The RTA, in coordination with the Foreign Ministry and Interior Ministry, also facilitated a visit by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). They assessed the humanitarian impact of cross-border attacks on civilians in Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. ICRC representatives interviewed local residents in Phanom Dong Rak and Kab Choeng districts of Surin, Kantharalak district in Si Sa Ket, and Nam Yuen district in Ubon Ratchathani. Jirayu said the visit demonstrated Thailand's commitment to working with the ICRC to strengthen humanitarian protection mechanisms. ICRC to submit findings to both countries The ICRC gathered facts on the ground, interviewed affected civilians, and will compile a confidential report on the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The organisation will not make its findings public but will submit the report directly to both Thailand and Cambodia. - The Nation/ANN
