Ankara: Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai Party declared on Saturday that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will neither resign nor dissolve the parliament, in response to opposition demands following a leaked phone conversation with Cambodia's Senate president.
According to Anadolu Agency, Prime Minister Paetongtarn has expressed her commitment to continue addressing the country's ongoing crises, reaffirming her decision to stay in office. This statement was made by party Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong, who shared the message on Facebook, emphasizing the government's stance in light of tensions with Cambodia.
The controversy arose when a recording of a phone call between Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen emerged on Hun Sen's Facebook page. In the conversation, Paetongtarn reportedly criticized the military's handling of a border dispute with Cambodia, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier on May 28.
Following the leak, opposition parties and protesters demanded Paetongtarn's resignation and the dissolution of parliament. Opposition leader Natthapong Ruengpanyawut called for a snap election, citing a breach of public trust.
In response to the growing tensions, Thai authorities have lodged a complaint with the Cybercrime Investigation Bureau against Hun Sen, accusing him of endangering national security and exacerbating bilateral tensions, as reported by Thai PBS.
Additionally, Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja has requested the Constitutional Court to evaluate whether Paetongtarn should remain in office. Concurrently, a group of lawmakers has called on the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the Prime Minister's conduct.
Despite the political turmoil resulting from the leaked call, Sorawong confirmed that the administration remains focused on advancing key policies during the remainder of its term.