BANGKOK: Thailand’s prime minister, seeking to fend off calls for her resignation, said today that all coalition partners have pledged support for her government, which she said would seek to maintain political stability to address threats to national security.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra has encountered backlash due to her alleged mismanagement of a dispute along the Cambodian border. This includes issues arising from a telephone conversation she had with Cambodia's previous leader, Hun Sen, the recording of which surfaced on Wednesday.
Following the initial leak, Hun Sen made public the complete audio recording. In this clip, Paetongtarn seemed to show deference towards the seasoned Cambodian political figure and criticize a high-ranking Thai military officer—thus breaching boundaries set by her detractors as well as certain ex-allies.
Shortly after the leak, a key coalition ally, the Bhumjaithai Party, abandoned the governing partnership, casting a shadow over Paetongtarn’s leadership and the fragile parliamentary majority assembled by her Pheu Thai party.
“The country must move forward. Thailand must unite and push policies to solve problems for the people,” Paetongtarn, the daughter of influential former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, posted on X after a meeting with coalition partners, including the United Thai Nation party.
Before this posting, the UTN was poised to insist upon her resignation as part of supporting the ruling alliance.
The government and the nation's powerful military hold a shared stance, supporting democratic values and adhering to the constitutional framework, stated the 38-year-old leader, a newcomer to politics who assumed the role of prime minister recently.
Protesters, including organizations known for their impactful demonstrations against the Shinawatra government, have planned a rally in Bangkok beginning on June 28th. The aim is to call for Paetongtarn's resignation.