Thai PM Faces Coalition Collapse After Leaked Cambodia Call

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing a government crisis after the conservative Bhumjaithai party, the second-largest coalition partner, withdrew over a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen regarding a border dispute. The call, which included criticisms of the Thai military, led to accusations that Paetongtarn compromised Thailand's sovereignty and dignity, prompting calls for her resignation from coalition and opposition parties. This withdrawal has left Paetongtarn's Pheu Thai party with a fragile majority, and other coalition members are considering whether to follow suit, risking the collapse of the government and potentially triggering a snap election. The episode highlights Paetongtarn's political inexperience compared to Hun Sen's seasoned strategies, with Hun Sen reportedly using social media to mock the Thai prime minister and push Cambodia's territorial claims. The situation exacerbates political instability in Thailand amid economic challenges and tensions with Cambodia, as the government struggles to maintain unity and authority. If Paetongtarn resigns or the coalition dissolves, parliament will need to select a new prime minister from a limited pool of candidates.