Amid the uncertainty of cabinet reshuffling and the backlash from a leaked recording of a phone call between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, it appears that Paetongtarn’s government now stands at a crossroads.

The Bhumjaithai Party quit the government coalition on 18 June, leaving it with a razor-thin majority in parliament. Although the party purportedly left because of the phone call, its relationship with coalition leader Pheu Thai has been deteriorating for months. Pheu Thai was planning to reclaim the Ministry of the Interior from Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul in exchange for another ministerial portfolio – an offer Anutin refused.

For the moment, remaining coalition partners are staying, although some say they must first discuss matters with Paetongtarn. Meanwhile, the composition of the new Cabinet is still unknown.

Klatham, Prachachat, Democrat still in coalition

Klatham Party leader Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, said on 19 June that her party continues to support Paetongtarn and the government and that it is ready to stand with the Thai people and the military. She added that there was no need to issue a formal statement and was certain that everyone in the party was committed to protecting Thai sovereignty.

According to a TNN News report on 19 June, Prachachat party leader Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, said that his party will remain in the government coalition, adding that national security and public safety remain top priorities for the government to work on with the military.

Acknowledging that Bhumjaithai’s departure might affect the passing of legislation like the budget bill, Tawee felt that the situation was manageable as long as government MPs remained in line and act responsibly. Assuming all government MPs attend parliamentary sessions, he said, the coalition would still have enough votes.

Meanwhile, after an executive board meeting, the Democrat Party announced on 20 June that it will remain in the coalition, despite backlash from party members. Some have left the party.  Watanya “Madame Dear” Bunnag, for one, criticised the board for seeking to benefit by remaining. MP and former party leader Banyat Bantadtan also called on the party to withdraw from the coalition in order to preserve its ideals and rebuild the trust of party supporters.

Chartthaipattana, United Thai Nation to discuss with PM

PPTV reported that on 19 June, after a meeting of its executive board, MPs and steering committee, the Chartthaipattana Party announced that it would remain in the government coalition for the time being.

Discussing the widely-circulated audio clip, party leader Varawut Silpa-archa noted that as the intent behind the leak remained unclear, a strong government was needed to safeguard and protect national sovereignty.

However, he stressed that as a final decision about the party’s position could not be made lightly, it would seek additional information and hold further discussions.

Meanwhile, the United Thai Nation Party leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, said that the party’s executive board asked him to discuss the matter with the Prime Minister.

Meeting participants reportedly concluded that while there were issues that needed to be resolved, withdrawing from the government coalition was likely to trigger a House dissolution and increase the popularity of the People’s Party. They therefore asked Pirapan to discuss matters with Prime Minister Paetongtarn, including her possible replacement.

Given Srettha Thavisin’s earlier dismissal, this would leave Pheu Thai with a single prime ministerial candidate: Chaikasem Nitisiri.

Cabinet reshuffle in progress

After weeks of reports that a cabinet reshuffle is looming, Matichon Online reported yesterday (24 June) that Paetongtarn has reached an agreement with coalition partners. Stating that the list of proposed ministers is being vetted for royal assent, she said she is not sure when the process will be completed.

She did not disclose the composition of her new Cabinet but said that she would not be taking the Minister of Defence portfolio.

Asked whether Pirapan was pressuring her to resign, Paetongtarn denied the allegation and insisted that all government coalition party had been supportive. She also said that problems inside the United Thai Nation Party had been resolved.

The Constitutional Court will meet next Wednesday (1 July) to rule on a petition filed by Thai Senate President Mongkol Surasajja and a number of other senators calling for Paetongtarn’s dismissal for a breach of ethics.  They also asked that she be suspended while the case is under investigation.

Paetongtarn said that she is ready to provide information if needed.  She stated that it was normal for leaders to hold discussions with foreign counterparts, and insisted that she did not damage the country by making the call.