Bangkok: The president of Thailand's Constitutional Court has refused to confirm whether the court has received Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra's explanation regarding ethics allegations. Speaking during the Constitutional Court Meets the Media Project 2025, President Nakarin Mektrairat stated that the timeline for submission could be extended.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nakarin explained that the court had ordered Prime Minister Paethongtarn to submit her rebuttal within 15 days. However, he mentioned that he had neither seen nor been informed about the submission. He further elaborated on the possibility of extending the deadline for the rebuttal, indicating that Ms. Paethongtarn could request an extension. The decision on how many extensions might be granted would be determined in a meeting of the court judges.
In addition to the prime minister's case, President Nakarin refrained from commenting on a proposal by the People's Party to amend the constitution concerning the selection and removal of Constitutional Court judges. He acknowledged the initiative by those in power and emphasized the need to study the background and implications of the Constitutional Court's role, as seen in other countries where constitutional matters are handled by the Supreme Court. He noted that constitutional amendments are being actively pursued by the authorities.