Bangkok: The administration of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra finds itself in a grave political crisis after its long standing ally the Bhumjaithai Party announced its decision to withdraw all cabinet ministers late Wednesday. The departure has deprived the government of a working majority in parliament and cast serious doubt on its ability to govern effectively in the coming weeks.
The rupture was triggered by the release of an audio recording in which the prime minister appeared to urge Cambodian leaders to sideline critics within Thailand’s military and to pursue confidential border negotiations. Coalition partners accused her of compromising national sovereignty and of allowing personal diplomacy to undercut the authority of the armed forces.
In a formal statement the Bhumjaithai leadership said it could no longer support a premier whose actions had eroded public trust and placed national security at risk. The party’s exit means that the ruling alliance now controls fewer than half of the seats in the 500 member House of Representatives, making it impossible to pass essential legislation including next year’s budget.
The United Thai Nation and Chart Thai Pattana parties have scheduled crisis talks for Thursday afternoon. If both groups follow Bhumjaithai’s example the government will face certain collapse and snap elections would become the only option to resolve the impasse. In the meantime a minority government would be unable to enact key economic and social reforms.
Financial markets reacted swiftly to the unfolding drama. The benchmark SET Index fell sharply as investors grew concerned about a policy stalemate that could stall Thailand’s fragile economic recovery. Consumer confidence surveys are expected to show further declines as households worry about rising costs and uncertain jobs.
Addressing the nation on Thursday morning alongside senior military commanders the prime minister sought to calm nerves. She framed her conversation with Cambodian officials as an effort to secure peace and stability along a sensitive border region. She reiterated her government’s commitment to democratic values and pledged full support for the armed forces.
Opposition groups led by the newly formed People’s Party have renewed calls for a vote of no confidence. They argue that only an election can restore legitimacy and break the cycle of political gridlock that has undermined development for decades. The People’s Party is pressing for immediate dissolution of parliament and a fresh mandate from the electorate.
Political analysts note that the Shinawatra name remains polarizing in Thailand. Memories of past coups and street protests linked to her father Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra still loom large. Many in the military establishment view civilian politicians with deep suspicion and any hint of secret diplomacy is likely to provoke a strong backlash.
As midnight approaches on Friday the prime minister’s future hangs in the balance. If she fails to shore up support her administration could operate only in a caretaker capacity until new elections are held. That scenario would stall long planned infrastructure projects and weaken Thailand’s negotiating position in regional forums.
With public patience wearing thin and no easy path to reconciliation in sight the coming days promise decisive developments. Thailand’s political landscape stands at a crossroads where the choices made by a few coalition leaders will determine whether the nation moves forward or lapses into another cycle of uncertainty.