Recording Scandal Triggers Thai Political Crisis, Paetongtarn Insists on Coalition Support

(Bangkok, 23rd) Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn, leader of the ruling coalition, faces mounting pressure from coalition party members demanding her resignation, as a political crisis triggered by a leaked phone recording deepens.
After the leak of a phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the Bhumjaithai Party—formerly the second largest party in the ruling coalition—announced its withdrawal, and a faction of the United Thai Nation Party also called for Paetongtarn to step down.
Charnin, Deputy Secretary-General of the Democrat Party, also urged the party leader to reconsider the decision to remain in the coalition government. He said that this decision has disappointed many party members and sparked a wave of resignations.
On Sunday (June 22), Paetongtarn continued to defend herself. She stated that all parties in the coalition have pledged their support for her government. The government will strive to maintain political stability in order to respond to national security threats.
After meeting with various parties, Paetongtarn posted on social media platform X: "The nation must move forward. Thailand must come together to implement policies that can solve problems for the people."
Wanwichit Boonprong, an assistant professor of political science at Rangsit University, believes that other coalition parties are facing internal pressure from their supporters and grassroots members, making it difficult to continue supporting Paetongtarn.
He told The Bangkok Post: "The best way forward for the coalition may be for Paetongtarn to step down and for another prime ministerial candidate nominated by the Pheu Thai Party, such as Chaikasem, to take office."
Chaikasem Nitisiri, former Minister of Justice, was among Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidates in the 2023 general election.
While this could see the Bhumjaithai Party return and strengthen the stability of the coalition, the Pheu Thai Party may have to pay a political price. Wanwichit believes that Pheu Thai may need to give up direct control of top posts and powers in the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Interior.
If Pheu Thai does not change the prime minister, it may further damage the party's reputation in the eyes of the public and the military. However, Wanwichit thinks a military coup is unlikely as long as a political solution remains possible.
He added that the military may have assessed that a coup would only benefit Cambodia, since Cambodia could use it to lobby at the International Court of Justice regarding the border dispute.
Olarn Thinbangtieo, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and Law at Eastern University of Thailand, believes the government is being forced to choose between the resignation of the prime minister and the dissolution of parliament, with the latter likely to benefit the opposition People's Party.
He noted that conservative forces may push for Paetongtarn's resignation, paving the way for a conservative candidate from Bhumjaithai or United Thai Nation to take over, with Pheu Thai being forced to support the conservative camp's nominee.
Wanwichit said Paetongtarn's handling of the border dispute exposed her political inexperience, and pointed out that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin, is too involved in government affairs, which only reinforces public perceptions that the government serves the interests of her family.

Thaksin has not appeared in public recently, leaving Paetongtarn to handle domestic affairs and the Thai-Cambodian dispute on her own. Former "Red Shirt" leader and Thaksin’s confidant Jakrapob Penkair uploaded a photo with Thaksin on Facebook on Saturday (21st), saying that Thaksin is in good condition.
He wrote on Facebook: "Prime Minister Thaksin is all well. Thank you everyone for your concern."