Paetongtarn stays as PM as partners jockey for ministerial posts

Bhumjaithai's departure opens up opportunities for smaller parties

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks during a press conference on June 19 following a leak of a recording of a phone call between her and Cambodia's Hun Sen, at the Government House in Bangkok. © Reuters

APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT

June 20, 2025 19:19 JST

BANGKOK -- The withdrawal of a key partner from Thailand's ruling coalition has opened the way for smaller parties to demand more influence, analysts say, as Paetongtarn Shinawatra stays in the prime minister's post, and with her coalition now holding a slim House majority.

The current coalition now comprises 11 parties, led by Paetongtarn's Pheu Thai Party. After the Bhumjaithai Party's exit announcement on Wednesday over a leaked audio clip of a conversation between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, other parties called urgent meetings to discuss whether to remain loyal to the Thai prime minister.