Thai Coalition Crisis After Bhumjaithai Exit

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing a major political crisis after the Bhumjaithai Party, her coalition's second-largest member with 69 MPs, withdrew over a leaked phone call in which she was deferential to Cambodia's ex-leader Hun Sen and criticized a Thai army commander during a deadly border dispute. Bhumjaithai and right-wing nationalists accuse her of undermining Thailand’s dignity and the military’s honor. The Pheu Thai-led coalition is now left with a slim majority, raising the likelihood of a snap election less than a year into Paetongtarn's term. Paetongtarn apologized publicly but denied wrongdoing, framing her remarks as peace-driven negotiation tactics. The crisis has intensified ruling bloc divisions and heightened tensions with Cambodia, which has responded by imposing trade restrictions. The government’s stability is in jeopardy as other coalition partners reconsider their support and public demands for Paetongtarn’s resignation increase.