Thailand’s Prime Minister Peetongtan (also known as Baidongta) has faced controversy over the leaked contents of the contentious dialogue regarding the border conflict with Cambodia, sparking public outrage and political crisis. However, officials from the ruling Thai party revealed today (June 21) that Peetongtan will not resign and will not dissolve the parliament.
On May 28, soldiers from both Thailand and Cambodia clashed at the border, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier, with the Thai military taking a tough stance on negotiations. According to leaked audio recordings, Peetongtan (Paetongtarn Shinawatra) had a conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on June 15, where she mentioned facing pressure domestically and asked Hun Sen not to listen to opinions from the “opposition,” including referring to a Thai border commander.
This conversation caused a stir in Thailand, leading to the second-largest party in the ruling coalition, the Bhumjaithai Party, to withdraw from the government. The largest opposition party, the People’s Party, also demanded the dissolution of the parliament for early elections.
However, according to Reuters, Sorawong Thienthong, the Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party, who currently serves as the Minister of Tourism and Sports in Thailand, posted on Facebook today, stating, “The Prime Minister has clearly confirmed to us that she will continue to fulfill her duties to the best of her ability to address the various crises facing the country.”
He further wrote, “The government under Peetongtan’s leadership will continue to operate, she will not resign, and the parliament will not be dissolved.”
Peetongtan visited the Thai-Cambodian border yesterday (June 20) to inspect the troops in an attempt to stabilize military morale. However, a former leader of the Red Shirt movement announced plans to protest on the streets, calling for Baidongta to step down.
(Translated from CNA)