Paetongtarn in court: Body language shows pressure

WHILE being questioned by the judges of the Constitutional Court for an hour and half this morning (Aug. 21) body language experts said suspended prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra showed clear signs of being under pressure, Naewna newspaper said this afternoon.

Paetongtarn and National Security Council Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad testified in an impeachment case filed against her in the wake of a leaked cellphone chitchat between Cambodian leader Hun Sen and herself on allegations that she had perpetrated an act of treason by breaching the ethical code and compromising evident honesty.

The court also moved up submission of closing statements to Monday Aug. 25 from Wednesday Aug. 27 with the verdict to be delivered on Friday Aug. 29. from 3 p.m. onwards.

Although the court has issued an order banning any reporting of what was said during the hearing, body language experts detected clear signs that the suspended prime minister was under pressure while testifying.

As one of the judges was outlining the proceedings, a camera focusing on Paetongtarn captured her facial expression. She was standing with both hands clasped tightly and the tips of her index fingers touching lightly.

This gesture, seemingly natural, is considered by body language experts as indicating trying to control one’s emotions and signals a lack of confidence and attempting to establish stability in an environment beyond one’s control.

Although she maintained a somewhat calm expression, her physical demeanour told another story – pressure – that could not be concealed by words or statements. Throughout the judge’s conclusion, Paetongtarn frequently blinked, which body language analysts often interpret as a sign of mental stress or an attempt to conceal her turbulent emotions.

Furthermore, she occasionally pursed her lips, seemingly trying to control some feelings or hold back words. This gesture reflected a high level of internal pressure, possibly anxiety, dissatisfaction or fear of the consequences.

All of this reflected not only the personal feelings of an individual but also the sensitive nature of the Thai political situation at this time, with the judges’ statement not merely being the conclusion of the hearing but setting the date for the verdict.

While words may be chosen with care, body language never lies, the experts said.

Meanwhile her father/de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra too faces a lese majeste case verdict to be handed down the Criminal Court tomorrow pertaining to the allegations that he had mentioned the monarchy for alleged involvement in the 2006 coup which ousted him from elected premiership.

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Suspended prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the Constitutional Court today, Aug. 21, 2025. Photos: Amarin TV