Thailand’s PM Paetongtarn Faces No-Confidence Vote Amid Leaked Call Scandal

Bhumjaithai Party to Lead Parliamentary Challenge as Coalition Struggles to Stay Afloat

In a dramatic escalation of Thailand’s ongoing political crisis, the Bhumjaithai party, which exited the ruling coalition last week, announced on Tuesday that it will file a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her cabinet. The motion, expected to be tabled when parliament reconvenes on July 3, marks the first major parliamentary test for the embattled 38-year-old leader.

The challenge stems from growing public anger and political backlash over Paetongtarn’s handling of a border dispute with Cambodia and, more critically, a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. In the recording, Paetongtarn is heard showing deference to the veteran Cambodian leader and criticising a Thai army commander—a severe breach of political decorum in a country where the military retains strong influence.

The fallout has fractured the fragile alliance led by her Pheu Thai Party, forcing a hasty cabinet reshuffle this week. Bhumjaithai, which holds 69 parliamentary seats, cited the leaked call as a threat to Thailand’s sovereignty, prompting its withdrawal from the coalition. The party has since called on other opposition groups to join the no-confidence push. They will need the support of at least 30 additional lawmakers to formally submit the motion.

“We have a party resolution to file a no-confidence motion against the prime minister,” said Boontida Somchai, a Bhumjaithai spokesperson. “When parliament opens, we will petition it first thing.”

Despite the rising tensions, Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong, who also serves as the Pheu Thai Party’s secretary-general, projected calm, asserting the government still commands majority support. “We are not worried. This is the duty of the opposition,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, Paetongtarn remains defiant, insisting that her coalition partners are “fully supportive” of her leadership. On Tuesday, she confirmed that the cabinet reshuffle had been finalized and announced the approval of $3.5 billion in infrastructure projects to boost the country’s sluggish economy. “It’s settled. I’ve spoken to all party leaders,” she said confidently.

However, the crisis has deepened. In addition to political maneuvering, Paetongtarn now faces a case in the Constitutional Court, which could potentially bar her from office. Calls for her resignation or fresh elections have intensified in recent days, with critics accusing her of undermining national integrity and insulting the military.

Paetongtarn, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been in office for less than a year. Yet she now finds herself fighting for survival amid a storm of political, legal, and public challenges. Whether she can weather this storm may well define the next chapter of Thailand’s political future.