BANGKOK, June 19, 2025 — Natthapong Ruengpanyawut, leader of Thailand’s opposition People’s Party, has called for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to take political responsibility, essentially by dissolving parliament and resigning, following a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen as we reported here.
In the audio, Paetongtarn referred to a Thai army commander as her “opponent,” sparking outrage and accusations of undermining national institutions. Natthapong described the incident as the “final straw,” arguing it has shattered public trust in her leadership.
The leaked conversation, which surfaced earlier this week, has intensified scrutiny of Paetongtarn, Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister and daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Critics, including Natthapong, claim her remarks reflect a lack of diplomatic discretion and fuel tensions with the military, a powerful force in Thai politics. The army has not officially commented, but some sources suggest senior officers are privately incensed, further straining the delicate balance Paetongtarn must maintain to govern effectively.
Paetongtarn’s administration has dismissed the uproar as a politically motivated attack, insisting the call was informal and her words misconstrued. However, the scandal comes amid growing discontent with her government’s handling of economic challenges and its perceived alignment with Thaksin’s controversial legacy. The People’s Party, rebranded from the dissolved Move Forward Party, has seized on the issue to rally support, framing the incident as evidence of her unsuitability for office.
Thailand’s political landscape remains deeply polarized, with frequent clashes between pro-establishment forces, including the military, and populist or progressive groups. This latest controversy could escalate tensions, as Natthapong’s demand for Paetongtarn to take “political responsibility” — widely interpreted as a call for her resignation — threatens to destabilize her coalition government. Observers warn the crisis may test her ability to navigate Thailand’s complex power dynamics, where missteps can swiftly erode even the most carefully positioned leaders.
Paetongtarn has apologized for the comments made on the call as we reported here, but stopped short of resignation or dissolving Parliament. Bhumjaithai, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, left the government coalition, attributing this to the leaked call but also after weeks of tensions over ministerial positions.
