Bangkok, June 24 (BlogHear.com) – Thailand’s political turmoil deepened on Tuesday after the Bhumjaithai Party, which recently exited the ruling coalition, announced it would pursue a parliamentary no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her cabinet.
The planned motion, expected next week, marks the first serious parliamentary test for the 38-year-old premier, who is under mounting pressure over her handling of a tense border dispute with Cambodia. The conflict has left the ruling Pheu Thai-led alliance clinging to power with a slim parliamentary majority.
Political Firestorm Over Border Dispute
The move follows Bhumjaithai’s withdrawal from the government last Wednesday, triggered by leaked audio of a private call between Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen. During the conversation, she appeared to bow to the Cambodian veteran and criticized a Thai army commander—an act that crosses a major political red line in Thailand, where the military holds significant influence.
Although Paetongtarn issued a public apology for the leak, Bhumjaithai cited the incident as a breach of Thai sovereignty and a key reason for leaving the coalition.
“We have a party resolution to file a no-confidence motion against the prime minister,” said party spokesperson Boontida Somchai. “When parliament opens, first thing, we will petition a no-confidence motion.”
With 69 seats in parliament, Bhumjaithai needs support from at least 30 additional lawmakers to formally initiate the motion when parliament reconvenes on July 3.
Mounting Legal and Political Pressure
Compounding the prime minister’s woes, a group of Thai senators has petitioned the Constitutional Court and the national anti-corruption body to investigate Paetongtarn’s conduct. A ruling against her could potentially lead to her removal from office.
Meanwhile, anti-government activists have called for mass protests starting Saturday, demanding her resignation.
Despite these challenges, coalition leaders have attempted to project unity. Tourism Minister and Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong told reporters that the government still commands majority support. “We are not worried. This is the duty of the opposition,” he said.
Paetongtarn, a political newcomer and daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, also claimed the coalition remains stable. She said a cabinet reshuffle has been finalized and that $3.5 billion in infrastructure investments were approved to stimulate Thailand’s faltering economy.
Military Clamps Down at Border Crossings
As tensions escalate, the Thai military on Monday announced it was closing all land border checkpoints with Cambodia across seven provinces. The move comes amid concerns over national security and the ongoing border row, which reignited in May when a clash left one Cambodian soldier dead.
According to military sources, exemptions at crossings will be granted only for humanitarian reasons such as medical emergencies or students, and will be subject to the discretion of checkpoint authorities.
The Thai government also plans to cut off supplies—including electricity and internet services—to areas in Cambodia allegedly hosting illegal scam operations. Cambodian authorities, however, have denied any wrongdoing or such activities on their soil.
The border closure also threatens to impact Cambodia’s casino tourism industry, especially in areas like Phnom Penh and Poipet, which heavily depend on Thai visitors.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Paetongtarn now finds herself entangled in a web of legal scrutiny, coalition instability, public protests, and escalating cross-border tensions. With a no-confidence vote looming, her political future—and Thailand’s near-term stability—hangs in the balance.
For more global and regional updates, visit BlogHear.com.
