Crisis in Thailand: PM Paetongtarn Apologizes for Scandal that Costs Coalition Partner
Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, issues an apology for maintaining the coalition government.
In the volatile world of Thai politics, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces a dire situation as her government teeters on the brink of collapse. A controversial phone call with a foreign official has fueled rifts within her coalition, potentially leading to new elections or the formation of a new coalition.
"I acknowledge my error in judgment during the private conversation with a Cambodian leader," Paetongtarn declared in an official statement. The revelation of the call sparked outrage among one of her coalition partners, the Bhumjaithai Party, resulting in their departure from the government.
The phone call in question involved discussions regarding the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. During the conversation, Paetongtarn referred to the foreign leader as "uncle" and the Thai regional army chief along the border as her adversary. This has been construed as a weakness showing disregard for the nation's military and sovereignty [1][4].
The Bhumjaithai Party withdrew, citing the damage inflicted on the country's dignity and sovereignty. With their departure, the coalition has lost a significant number of seats in parliament, leaving it precariously balanced [2]. Should another coalition member follow suit, the government may ultimately crumble.
History of Crises in Thai Politics
This latest crisis is part of a continuous string of political turmoil in Thailand, dating back nearly two decades. The power struggle between military and royalist factions against progressive parties and the Shinawatra family, once fervently in power, has been a prominent factor in Thailand’s political landscape [4].
In recent months, Paetongtarn successfully survived a no-confidence vote in parliament, confronting allegations of inexperience, tax evasion, and family ties to former leader Thaksin Shinawatra. She denied all accusations and emphasized that she should be judged based on her performance [3].
Paetongtarn's aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, was also sentenced to pay around €265 million in compensation in May for a controversial rice subsidy program. The decision followed a long-standing legal battle involving agricultural subsidies [3]. Yingluck was sentenced to five years in prison in absentia in 2017 and lives in exile.
Consequences for Paetongtarn's Government
The departure of the Bhumjaithai Party now leaves the government with reduced parliamentary support, raising concerns over its longevity and ability to address pressing national issues [2]. House of Representatives dissolution, political instability, and diplomatic fallout with Cambodia are just a few potential outcomes [3][4].
Tensions between the military and the civilian government have also come under scrutiny, as the phone call and subsequent apology raised questions about the government's diplomatic etiquette and stance towards the military [1][4]. As the crisis deepens, the fate of Paetongtarn's government remains uncertain.
Sources:
[1] Deutsche Welle (2025). Thailand's government crisis: What you need to know. [https://www.dw.com/en/thailands-government-crisis-what-you-need-to-know/a-55046926].
[2] BBC News (2025). Thailand crisis: Coalition partner quits, sparking chaos. [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57726702].
[3] Al Jazeera (2025). Thailand’s government crisis intensifies, as PM’s party resigns from coalition. [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/18/thailands-political-crisis-deepens-as-government-support-crumbles].
[4] Reuters (2025). Thailand’s Shinawatra apologizes as government faces crisis over phone call. [https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailands-shinawatra-apologizes-as-government-faces-crisis-over-phone-call-2025-06-15/].
- The apologetic statement by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, amidst the political crisis in Thailand, has drawn attention to the need for a review in both community policy and employment policy, as well as policy-and-legislation, to ensure diplomatic etiquette and respect for the nation's military and sovereignty in future communication.
- As the crisis in Thailand's politics deepens, with general-news outlets reporting on potential diplomatic fallout with Cambodia and the uncertainty of Paetongtarn's government, the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the region, and the legacy of political disputes, could create a volatile landscape for employment opportunities within the region.
