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Big blow for Thailand's PM as Bhumjaithai Party exits coalition over leaked call, border tensions

Thailand's Bhumjaithai Party on Wednesday withdrew from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government in a major blow to the embattled premier, leaving her ruling coalition with only a slim majority read more Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks during a press conference at the Government House, in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 19, 2025. Reuters File Thailand's Bhumjaithai Party withdrew from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government on Wednesday, delivering a significant blow to the embattled leader and reducing her ruling coalition to a fragile majority. The party, which holds 69 seats and is the second largest in the coalition, cited the fallout from a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The leak comes amid rising tensions between the two countries over a disputed border area, and Bhumjaithai said the incident had compromised national interests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Bhumjaithai will work with all Thai people to support the army and officials who safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and interests of Thailand in all ways,' Reuters quoted Bhumjaithai as saying in a statement. The exit of the Bhumjaithai Party has left PM Shinawatra's government on shaky ground, with a razor-thin majority and waning public support. Her government is also grappling with a sluggish economy and the looming threat of steep US tariffs if ongoing trade negotiations fail. At 38, Paetongtarn — the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra — is Thailand's youngest-ever premier. She was propelled into office less than a year ago after her predecessor was removed by court order, but her leadership now appears increasingly vulnerable. The focus has now turned to the remaining 10 coalition partners, as speculation grows over whether more defections could follow. Meanwhile, tensions with Cambodia over a disputed border region have escalated, with troops mobilised on both sides. Paetongtarn has come under criticism for her more measured diplomatic approach, which stands in contrast to the Thai military's hardline stance. Despite the backlash, the prime minister has reaffirmed her commitment to a peaceful resolution, while insisting that Thailand will take all necessary steps to protect its sovereignty. In a leaked phone call dated June 15, Paetongtarn told former Cambodian leader Hun Sen that she was under intense domestic pressure and urged him not to heed 'the other side' in Thailand — a reference believed to be aimed at a vocal Thai general commanding forces in the disputed border area. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Bhumjaithia has called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn to show responsibility for making the country lose its integrity, honor, to the people and the army,' the party said. With inputs from agencies