Thai PM Paetongtarn Faces Crisis as Coalition Partner Exits Over Cambodia Leak

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing a political crisis after a key coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, withdrew support late Wednesday. The move threatens to collapse her 10-month-old government amid growing pressure to resign.

Bhumjaithai cited national security concerns following a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen. In the call, the 38-year-old premier sought a peaceful resolution to a territorial dispute and criticized a Thai army general. The leak sparked outrage and fears of military confrontation, prompting calls from opposition leaders for new elections.

Paetongtarn, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has seen her popularity decline amid a sluggish economy and allegations of undue influence by her father, a controversial figure in Thai politics. She apologized for the leak, met with military leaders, and called for national unity, stating the government fully supports the military.

The political fallout intensified as the United Thai Nation, Democrat, and Chart Thai Pattana parties scheduled emergency meetings. If either UTN or the Democrats pull out, Paetongtarn would lead a minority government. Thai stocks dropped 2.4% on Thursday amid growing investor uncertainty.

The opposition People’s Party, successor to the dissolved Move Forward Party, urged Paetongtarn to dissolve parliament and call elections, arguing the government lacks legitimacy. Its leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, said the leaked call was “the last straw.”

Thailand’s military, which ousted Thaksin-linked governments in 2006 and 2014, reaffirmed its commitment to democracy and national sovereignty in a Thursday statement. As political tensions rise, Paetongtarn’s future as prime minister appears increasingly uncertain.