On July 1, multiple Thai media outlets reported that around 9:30 a.m., a panel of judges from Thailand’s Constitutional Court formally convened its weekly routine meeting to deliberate on various petitions. The most closely watched case that day was the petition seeking the removal and suspension of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, triggered by the “recording scandal.”
It is understood that the petition was submitted by Senate President Mon Khun on behalf of 36 senators, demanding consideration of terminating Prayut’s premiership under relevant constitutional provisions. They allege that portions of his recorded conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen involving the military constitute “treasonous” acts, undermining the sovereignty of Thailand, its armed forces, and its people. The petition also calls for his suspension from the premiership pending the Constitutional Court’s ruling.
In response, the Constitutional Court will deliver a copy of the petition to Prayut and require him to clarify the allegations within 15 days. Should Ms. Prayut fail to submit a clarification, the court will proceed with further proceedings. The court will adopt an inquisitorial system for case adjudication, which may involve summoning parties to provide documents, evidence, or witnesses for testimony. if the court deems the case involves legal issues or sufficient evidence, it may issue a ruling without conducting a hearing. Subsequently, the court will read the judgment and issue a ruling, which will be further notified to the President of the Senate.
That afternoon, Thai media reported that the Constitutional Court voted 7-2 to order Prayut Chan-o-cha to cease performing his duties as Prime Minister and unanimously agreed 9-0 to accept the investigation into the “audio recording scandal” involving Prayut Chan-o-cha and Hun Sen.
