The Thai Prime Minister has no intention of resigning or dissolving parliament, according to a ruling party official
Thailand’s embattled prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will not resign or dissolve parliament, according to a senior official from the ruling Pheu Thai party, which could lead to a prolonged political crisis in Southeast Asia’s second largest economy.
Sorawong Thienthong, who additionally holds the position of Thailand’s tourism minister, stated in a Facebook post that the prime minister would not resign, despite increasing demands for her departure following her perceived mishandling of a border dispute with neighboring Cambodia.
“The prime minister has unequivocally assured us that she will persist in her efforts to address the various crises confronting the country to the best of her capability,” he stated.
“The government has confirmed its commitment to continue working, stating it will not resign or dissolve parliament.”
Paetongtarn, the daughter of the controversial tycoon and former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, is encountering public backlash following the release of a phone call with Cambodia’s prominent former leader Hun Sen. In this conversation, she seemed to show deference to the seasoned politician while making disparaging remarks about a senior Thai military commander.
The Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest partner in Thailand’s ruling coalition, withdrew from the alliance late on Wednesday, referencing the leak that occurred earlier that day.
The United Thai Nation party, another member of the coalition, appeared poised to call for Paetongtarn’s resignation in exchange for supporting the Pheu Thai-led ruling coalition and maintaining its slim parliamentary majority.
Paetongtarn has expressed regret regarding the conversation with Hun Sen, yet has remained silent on the ongoing crisis thus far.
Activists have organized a protest in Bangkok beginning on June 28 to demand Paetongtarn’s resignation, including groups known for their impactful rallies against Shinawatra administrations.
