Bhumjaithai quits coalition, calls for PM to take responsibility over leaked recording

Paetongtarn Shinawatra's administration has been thrown into a political crisis, as the Bhumjaithai party announces its decision to quit the ruling coalition, effective tomorrow.

The party issued the statement on Wednesday night, claiming that the leaked conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has affected Thailand’s territorial sovereignty, national interests and the Thai military.

The statement said the party’s executive committee held an urgent meeting to discuss the leaked conversation, which has gone viral, and resolved that they should quit the coalition government.

All its ministers will submit their letters of resignation to the prime minister, effective on Thursday.

The party also called on the prime minister to “show responsibility” for disgracing the country, its people and the Thai military.

It declared its readiness to cooperate with the people and to support the Thai military in protecting Thai territorial sovereignty.

The Royal Thai Army also posted a message on social media, announcing its readiness to protect Thailand’s sovereignty and the hashtag: “Save the Second Army Region commander” in support of Lt-Gen Boonsin Padklang, who had been mentioned unfavourably in Paetongtarn’s leaked conversation with Hun Sen.

Earlier, Bhumjaithai was expected to be excluded from the Cabinet reshuffle anyway, after the party rejected the Pheu Thai Party’s offer to trade the Interior Ministry for the Public Health Ministry and a Prime Minister’s Office post.

Anutin Charnvirakul, the Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader, said in a TV talk show that he received a call from Prommin Lertsuridej, the Secretary General to the Prime Minister, requesting an urgent meeting at 3 p.m. yesterday to discuss the proposed portfolio swap.

Anutin said he rejected the offer outright, without waiting for the Pheu Thai Party’s 48-hour deadline for a response.

It was reported that Dr. Prommin immediately informed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of Anutin’s rejection.

A source also said that a Cabinet reshuffle is expected by the end of Friday, with the ruling Pheu Thai Party gaining two additional seats, including the Interior portfolio.

Meanwhile another coalition party, United Thai Nation, issued a brief statement on social media, announcing its political stance to protect Thailand’s sovereignty and national interests.

The Royal Thai Army also posted a message on social media expressing its readiness to defend the nation’s sovereignty, and included the hashtag: #SaveTheSecondArmyRegionCommander, in support of Lt-Gen Boonsin Padklang.