Thai PM under mounting pressure over leaked call
Thailand is facing political turbulence after the second largest party in the ruling coalition exited the alliance, dealing a heavy blow to the government led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The move was prompted by a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen over border issues. She was heard saying, "I don't want uncle to listen to the opposite side, like the Second Regional Army Commander." She referred to Hun Sen "uncle."
Paetongtarn later apologized and described her comments to Hun Sen as a negotiation tactic. The daughter of Thailand's influential former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, she has held office since August.
Criticisms have been mounting over her government's handling of border disputes after a military clash with Cambodia last month, as well as over economic policies.
The Bhumjaithai Party issued a statement on Thursday condemning Paetongtarn for damaging Thailand's sovereignty and the army's dignity.
The departure of Bhumjaithai has left the coalition with a slim majority in the lower house of parliament.
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