Court sidelines premier

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra yesterday said she had no ill intent and meant no harm to the country following the Constitutional Court's decision to suspend her as premier pending a ruling on the senators' petition concerning her phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH CHAIRITH YONPIAM

The court voted unanimously to accept the petition and, by a 7-2 majority, ordered Ms Paetongtarn's suspension from her duties while the case is under review.

Speaking after learning the court's decision, Ms Paetongtarn said she respected the court and would do her best to explain to the court her intentions. The premier is required to provide a written defence within 15 days of receiving the official complaint.

She stressed that she had no personal agenda, saying that all she wanted was to protect national sovereignty and the lives of soldiers and to find a peaceful solution to the border issue. "I was thinking only about a way to prevent clashes and casualties. I insist that I had no ill intentions... I apologise if the approach I took was unsatisfactory," she told a press briefing.