Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government was on the verge of collapse Thursday as coalition parties weighed their future in the ruling alliance, following the exit of a key partner that could spell the end of her administration.
The 38-year-old leader, a political newcomer and daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is under mounting pressure to resign just 10 months into her term.
Her government has faced sliding popularity, a weakening economy, and a growing diplomatic dispute with Cambodia that has sparked fears of military confrontation.
Tensions escalated late Wednesday when the Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest member of the ruling coalition, formally withdrew.
The party cited serious damage to Thailand’s sovereignty, military, and national integrity following the leak of a phone call between Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s former premier Hun Sen.
The fallout prompted other coalition parties — including United Thai Nation (UTN), Chart Thai, and the Democrats — to convene urgent meetings on Thursday.
Should UTN also leave the alliance, Paetongtarn would be left with a minority government, making her position politically untenable.
The prime minister has not issued any statement regarding Bhumjaithai’s departure. A government spokesperson has yet to respond to media inquiries.
Paetongtarn was seen entering Government House on Thursday, where a heightened police presence was in place amid concerns over potential protests.
The controversy stems from a leaked June 15 phone call in which Paetongtarn is heard urging Hun Sen to pursue a peaceful resolution to the border issue and to ignore “the other side” in Thailand — referencing a vocal Thai army general whom she described as someone who “just wants to look cool.”
She later told reporters the comments were part of a negotiation tactic and maintained there were no problems with the military.
If Paetongtarn steps down, parliament would be required to select a new prime minister from a shortlist of five candidates nominated before the 2023 general election. Another possible route would be the dissolution of parliament and a snap election.
Analysts say an early election could work in favour of the opposition People’s Party, which has consistently led opinion polls. The party is the rebranded successor of the Move Forward Party, which won the most votes in 2023 before it was dissolved by a court ruling.
Speaking at a press conference, People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said the leaked phone call was a tipping point for public confidence in Paetongtarn’s leadership.
“The situation yesterday on the leaked phone call is the last straw for Prime Minister Paetongtarn in harming public trust in her,” he said.
“I want the prime minister to dissolve parliament. I think the people want a government that can solve problems for the people, a legitimate government that comes from a democratic process.”
In addition to the recent turmoil, Paetongtarn’s administration has been dogged by criticism over the behind-the-scenes influence of her father, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Though he holds no official role, Thaksin regularly comments on policy and has remained a dominant political presence since returning to Thailand from self-imposed exile in 2023.
