BANGKOK, June 19 – Thailand’s political landscape was thrown into turmoil Wednesday evening as the Bhumjaithai Party announced its immediate withdrawal from the ruling coalition, demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra take responsibility for damaging remarks in a leaked diplomatic recording.

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The bombshell decision by the government’s second-largest partner follows 24 hours of escalating tensions after the unauthorized release of a private conversation between the premier and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen regarding sensitive border disputes. In a sharply worded statement, Bhumjaithai declared it would now “stand with the Thai people in supporting our military and officials protecting national sovereignty,” a clear rebuke of perceived criticisms of armed forces leadership in the leaked dialogue.

All 11 Bhumjaithai cabinet ministers submitted resignations effective Thursday, though the Pheu Thai-led coalition retains parliamentary control with 261 seats against the opposition’s 234. The rupture culminates months of friction over cabinet positions, particularly the prized Interior Ministry portfolio overseeing local governance networks crucial for electoral influence.

#Bhumjaithai has resolved to withdraw from joining the government. All Bhumjaithai ministers have submitted their resignations to the Prime Minister, effective from June 19, 2025 onwards. They are calling on #PaethongtarnShinawatra to take responsibilityhttps://t.co/lcEVnMcgjS

— Jiraponds Vittayapun Q (@JirapondsVQ) June 18, 2025

Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul had reportedly reached breaking point after Tuesday’s failed negotiations with Paetongtarn, who denies reneging on a purported 2023 power-sharing agreement granting Bhumjaithai control of the ministry. “There was never such a deal,” the prime minister stated earlier this week, as her office prepared a cabinet reshuffle list excluding Bhumjaithai’s demands.

The political earthquake threatens to destabilize governance amid ongoing border tensions with Cambodia, which recently banned Thai agricultural imports and restricted cross-border workers. While the coalition maintains technical majority, analysts warn Bhumjaithai’s departure could embolden opposition challenges and military discontent over the leaked recording’s implications.

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Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s office has yet to respond to the withdrawal, as speculation mounts about potential realignments in Thailand’s fractious political arena.

-Thailand News (TN)