In her defense filed with the Thai Constitutional Court, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra mentioned a particularly controversial statement from the leaked recording with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen: "If there is anything, just tell me, I will take care of it."
Ms. Paetongtarn argued that this statement was to encourage the other side to clearly state conditions or expectations, and this was a key principle in negotiations. This clause is used in the interest-based negotiation method, to find the needs of the opponent without directly confronting their stance.
"The intention is to open up space for mutual understanding by identifying the real concerns behind the other side's stance, so that these concerns can be used as a basis for further negotiations to reduce tensions," Paetongtarn emphasized.
Ms. Paetongtarn affirmed that she did not intend to accept or follow any proposals made during the conversation, as Mr. Hun Sen suggested that if Thailand opened the border gate first, Cambodia would follow within 5 hours.
"In response, I propose that both sides open the border at the same time," she said, noting that Hun Sen did not acknowledge or agree with the revised conditions.
Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized that any proposal or condition made by Cambodia must be considered by Thai national security agencies before reaching an agreement.
Ms. Paetongtarn also mentioned statements related to Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Military Region of Thailand. Critics say she described Boonsin Padklang as a rival in her talks with Hun Sen.
She explained that her comments on Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang were made in the context of Hun Sen's assistant Hout saying that the decision to close Cambodia's border was related to Hun Sen's dissatisfaction with the Commander of the 2nd Military Region of Thailand.
"Therefore, I was forced to use negotiation techniques to separate the issue with individuals. This is not a criticism or implied that the commander opposes the Thai government, she said.
Ms. Paetongtarn emphasized that her explanation to the Cambodian side was to promote understanding and demonstrate the peace-keeping intention of the Thai government, not any concidence or favor of any party.
My behavior is based on diplomatic principles to maintain national stability and prevent conflict escalation, she added.
Ms. Paetongtarn further informed the Thai Constitutional Court that, after the leaked recording, she personally gave an explanation and apologized to the Commander of Thai Military Region 2.
Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang has publicly confirmed that there was no conflict with Ms. Paetongtarn and that the leaked phone did not affect the armed forces' combat mission.
The Thai Constitutional Court will rule on the case on August 29. Judges will determine whether the exchange between Ms. Paetongtarn and Mr. Hun Sen constitutes a serious violation of ethics.
When asked if she would attend the hearing on August 21, Ms. Paetongtarn told the press that her birthday was August 21.
When asked if she would stay until the last minute as Thai Prime Minister, Ms. Paetongtarn did not respond.
