Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra publicly apologized Thursday for a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian PM Hun Sen regarding the border dispute, a scandal that has forced the Bhumjaithai Party's withdrawal from the ruling coalition and threatens her 10-month-old government.

Key Developments

1. Coalition Collapse:

   • Bhumjaithai (coalition's second-largest party) exits, citing "damage to military integrity"

   • Ruling bloc's seats drop to 261 vs opposition's 234 (500-seat parliament)

2. Leaked Call Details:

   • June 15 conversation urged peaceful border resolution

   • PM referenced "another Thai party" (allegedly military faction) seeking "hero status"

   • Contained unconfirmed remarks about Preah Vihear temple dispute

3. Security Fallout:

   • Defense Minister Poomtham Wichayachai flanked PM during apology

   • Royalist activists filing ethics complaints against Shinawatra

Official Statements

PM Paetongtarn (Bangkok Post press conference):
"I apologize for causing public discontent. We must prioritize sovereignty over internal disputes. My government fully supports our military."

Pheu Thai Party:
"Thais must unite behind constitutional governance during this challenge."

Political Ramifications

• Constitutional Threshold: Losing 1 more mid-sized party could force:
  ✓ PM resignation (requires parliamentary succession vote)
  ✓ Snap elections (favoring opposition Move Forward Party per polls)

• Protest Dynamics:
  ✓ Anti-government rallies growing outside Government House
  ✓ Pro-monarchy groups mobilizing legal challenges

Historical Context

• First civilian government since 2014 coup

• Fragile alliance between royalist conservatives and Shinawatra's populists

• Ongoing civil-military tensions over Cambodia border policy