Thailand’s political tensions deepened as the Bhumjaithai Party, which recently exited the ruling coalition, announced plans to file a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her cabinet.
The motion, expected when parliament reconvenes on July 3rd, would mark the 38-year-old leader’s first parliamentary test amid mounting criticism over her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia, Reuters reported.
The controversy stems from a leaked phone call in which Paetongtarn appeared to defer to former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and criticized a Thai army commander—an act seen as politically damaging in a country where the military holds significant influence.
The crisis could bring down one of Shinawatra’s administration’s most ambitious economic initiatives: the passage of a bill to legalize entertainment complexes with casinos.
Bhumjaithai, citing threats to Thai sovereignty, withdrew its support and is now rallying other opposition parties to back the motion. With 69 seats, it needs at least 30 more lawmakers to proceed.
Paetongtarn is also under legal scrutiny, facing petitions to the Constitutional Court and the national anti-corruption body, which could potentially lead to her removal. Meanwhile, anti-government groups are organizing street protests demanding her resignation.
Despite the pressure, Paetongtarn maintains that her coalition remains intact. She has announced a cabinet reshuffle and approved $3.5 billion in infrastructure spending to stimulate the economy. Pheu Thai party officials insist they still command a parliamentary majority and are unfazed by the opposition’s move.
