Bangkok: The Constitutional Court is poised to deliver its verdict concerning the audio clip of a conversation between Paethongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Sen at 3:00 PM, with security measures intensified and "Gino" on standby.
According to Thai News Agency, the proceedings commenced at 9:30 a.m. with an oral statement, discussion, and vote on a petition initiated by the Senate President and submitted to 36 senators. The petition seeks a ruling based on Article 170, paragraph three, in conjunction with Article 82 of the Constitution, arguing that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's ministerial status should be terminated due to an apparent lack of integrity and serious ethical violations following the release of the audio clip.
Reporters have detailed the heightened security at the Constitutional Court, where officials have prepared the venue meticulously. Security is reinforced by a company of police from Metropolitan Police Bureau 2, EOD officers, and police dogs. Gino vehicles, prisoner detention vehicles, and fire trucks are strategically positioned near Government Complex Building 1. As of now, the court has not declared its jurisdiction, and the situation remains calm, with no protests or support groups present this morning.
Inside Government Complex Building A, which houses the Constitutional Court, regulations concerning space arrangement and media access are strictly adhered to. Television screens are installed to relay courtroom proceedings to the area below and the media room. The verdict will also be available via a broadcast on the Constitutional Court's YouTube channel.
The court has accepted the petition for adjudication, resulting in an order for Ms. Paethongtarn to cease her duties as Prime Minister, effective July 1st. Both Ms. Paethongtarn and Mr. Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the National Security Council, were questioned on August 21st, with a closing statement submitted on August 25th.