Thailand: Bhumjaithai Quits Coalition Government, Cites Damaging Conduct By Paetongtarn

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, June 18 (Bernama) -- Thailand's Bhumjaithai Party announced its withdrawal from the coalition government on Wednesday, citing dissatisfaction with government actions affecting Thai sovereignty.

Bhumjaithai, the second-largest party in the ruling coalition, stated that all its eight ministers have submitted their resignations, effective June 19.

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The party accused Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of "damaging conduct" following a leaked phone conversation (June 15 phone call) with Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen.

It said the call, reportedly addressing an ongoing border dispute, included remarks in which the Prime Minister allegedly blamed her own military for "miscommunication".

Bhumjaithai described this as an affront to Thailand’s dignity, national pride, its people, and the armed forces.

"The Bhumjaithai Party wishes to inform that the Party's Executive Committee convened to deliberate on this matter and has resolved for the Bhumjaithai Party to withdraw from the coalition government.

"Consequently, all ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party have submitted their resignation letters to the Prime Minister, effective from June 19, 2025, onward," the party said in an official statement on Wednesday.

The party also called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn to take responsibility for actions it claims have harmed Thailand's national interests.

"The Bhumjaithai Party stands ready to cooperate with the Thai people, support the armed forces, and assist all frontline officers in safeguarding Thailand’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests by every means possible," it said.

Bhumjaithai holds 69 seats in the Parliament and has been responsible for four ministerial portfolios, including the Interior Minister, Labour Minister, Education Minister, and the Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister. 

It also has four deputy ministerial posts, covering the Education Ministry, Interior Ministry (two positions), and the Commerce Ministry.

Following Bhumjaithai’s withdrawal, the Pheu Thai-led coalition of 13 parties retains 292 seats in Parliament, while the opposition, led by the People’s Party, now holds 208 seats, including Bhumjaithai’s MPs.

Despite the withdrawal, the coalition government still commands a majority in the 500-seat House of Representatives.

-- BERNAMA