Thai opposition parties step up pressure on government

NHK

9 hours ago

Thailand's opposition parties have been increasing pressure on the country's government, which has been in flux since Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from her duties.
The largest opposition, the People's Party, is calling for the dissolution of parliament by the end of the year and a new general election.
The leaders of the opposition parties held a joint meeting on Thursday. It included Bhumjaithai, which left the ruling coalition last month in protest of Paetongtarn's handling of a border dispute with Cambodia.
The leaders questioned the government's long-term viability and whether it is able to resolve the challenges facing the country.
People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said at the joint press conference: "I reaffirm that all members of the opposition coalition, and all party leaders, have agreed that we will not let politics reach a dead-end. The country must have a way out."
On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn from her duties as prime minister. She has been facing political turmoil since her phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen was leaked.
During their talk about their countries' border dispute, she seemed to disparage a Thai Army commander.
Paetongtarn still serves as culture minister, and her Pheu Thai Party leads the coalition in parliament with only a thin majority.
The court is now weighing whether to remove Paetongtarn entirely from her role. Thai media report that it is expected to take around a month or more for a verdict to be handed down.