Thailand Prime Minister's Office Chief Proms Minister Prommin Lertsuridej denied rumors of Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra resigning as Thai Prime Minister and said Ms. Paetongtarn had submitted a defense for the leaked phone call with President of the Cambodian Senate Hun Sen to the Thai Constitutional Court, denying the violation of ethics, emphasizing the goal of ending the crisis.
Mr. Prommin shared this information with the press before the deadline for the second extension of the Thai Constitutional Court ended on August 4.
He affirmed that Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra has completed all relevant documents. After Ms. Paetongtarn signed the approval, Mr. Prommin signed the confirmation and Ms. Paetongtarn's representative submitted the file to the court.
"I fully believe in the goodwill of the Prime Minister and her sincere intention in helping the country avoid violence. That has always been her main motivation," said Mr. Prommin.
The Thai Prime Minister's Office also explained that Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra's phone call to Mr. Hun Sen was not as an official representative, but in an effort to find a way to cool down the Thailand - Cambodia border tension, minimizing casualties and damage.
According to Mr. Prommin, the talks between Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Mr. Hun Sen helped delay the conflict for a while.
He also noted that during the outbreak of the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra "has always cooperated closely with the army to protect the country".
Regarding Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra's situation, Mr. Prommin revealed that she respects the court's decision to temporarily suspend the position of Thai Prime Minister and is awaiting a verdict. "We hope the results will reflect your sincere efforts in bringing peace and stability," he said.
He added that legal feedback had been carefully prepared and Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra clarified the allegations, especially those related to ethics.
"Now, the decision belongs to the court. We believe in the fairness of the trial, he said.
He also denied rumors that Ms. Paetongtarn intended to resign. There are no plans to resign. We are following the law and believe in our stance," Prommim said.
Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from her position as prime minister by the Thai Constitutional Court on July 1 after a group of senators filed a complaint accusing her of violating ethical standards due to her leaked statements during a call to President of the Cambodian Senate Hun Sen on the Thailand - Cambodia border tension. She is currently serving as Minister of Culture.
On July 30, the Thai court extended the deadline for Ms. Paetongtarn to submit a defense in this case. After the deadline of August 4, if the court issues an unfavorable verdict during the trial, she may be deprived of her rights and dismissed from her position.
