Bangkok: The Constitutional Court initiated its first hearing concerning the National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General’s involvement with a controversial audio clip, stressing the importance of maintaining the clip’s confidentiality. The court also mandated the release of investigation details, addressing potential legal distortions that have led to public confusion.
According to Thai News Agency, the hearing commenced at 10:30 a.m. on August 21, with a panel of Constitutional Court judges convening to assess witness testimonies. This case was instigated by a petition from 36 senators, submitted by the Senate President, urging the Constitutional Court to determine if the ministerial status of Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, should be terminated. The petition, based on Section 170, paragraph three, alongside Section 82 of the Constitution, alleges a lack of honesty and integrity on Ms. Paethongtarn’s part, citing a serious breach or non-compliance with ethical standards linked to an audio clip of a conversation with Samdech Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate.
Constitutional Court President Nakarin Mektrairat clarified the procedures, noting that the hearing was dedicated to witness testimonies. The court banned the broadcast of the hearing via video or audio due to the sensitive nature of the national security-related case. Attendees were also forbidden from disseminating the hearing’s content or distorting facts or laws, which could mislead the public.
Court officials confirmed the presence of authorized representatives from the Senate President, including key figures such as General Sawat Tasana Samathi, Senator Pol. Maj. Gen. Chatwarat Saengphet, Senator Mr. Chanin Kaenhiran, Mr. Trin Kaenhiran, and Mr. Amorn Suwannoj.
The individuals involved in the case include Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, as the accused, and Mr. Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the National Security Council, as the witness.
Mr. Nakarin announced that Mr. Wirun Saengthian and Mr. Noppadol Theppitak were appointed to lead the inquiry, with participation from other Constitutional Court judges. Mr. Wirun began by questioning Mr. Chatchai, requesting that Ms. Paethongtarn remain outside the hearing room initially.