Politics Thai Opposition Demands House Dissolution Amid Coup Concerns

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a significant escalation of Thailand's political crisis, opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to dissolve the House of Representatives. This demand follows the fallout from a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, which has intensified tensions within the Thai government.

 

The incident centres around a controversial call where Prime Minister Paetongtarn reportedly referred to a Thai military commander as the “opposite side” during discussions with Hun Sen. The conversation, which took place after a border skirmish on May 28, involved the commander’s suggestion to close border crossings with Cambodia— a measure the government ultimately softened to merely reducing checkpoint operating hours.

 

The leak has sparked a political storm, leading to the abrupt withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party from the coalition government. Additionally, Paradorn Prisnananthakul, a Bhumjaithai MP for Ang Thong, resigned from his role as the second Deputy House Speaker, further destabilising the coalition.

 

Addressing Parliament, Natthaphong criticised the government’s inability to fulfil its promises and tackle major issues such as constitutional reform, economic challenges, and military bureaucracy restructuring. He highlighted that the current coalition, led by the Pheu Thai Party, has been plagued by unwieldy cross-party alliances and broken pledges.

 

“The credibility of Prime Minister Paetongtarn is in tatters due to this leak,” Natthaphong stated, urging her to dissolve the House and return the mandate to the people. He warned that failure to address the situation might lead to pressure groups inciting unrest and jeopardising democracy.

 

Natthaphong and his fellow MPs issued a clear demand: the prime minister must dissolve the House and step down, allowing for a new election to restore legitimacy. “Thailand needs a government formed through democratic mechanisms to effectively solve the country’s problems,” he asserted.

 

The opposition leader also cautioned against potential escalations, reminding the public that a military coup is not a viable solution. He emphasised the importance of maintaining democratic processes, even amidst growing public dissatisfaction and potential protests.

 

In the wake of the leak, Hun Sen has denied any involvement in its dissemination but offered to provide the entire audio to Thai authorities for greater transparency. This development comes as a critical moment for Prime Minister Paetongtarn, whose ability to navigate this crisis could have lasting implications for her leadership and the coalition’s stability.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-19

 

 

[dinsdale]

I think it was last week (maybe this week) I said the House and the Senate should be dissolved with fresh national elections for both. This is what should happen but I think I can hear tank engines warming up.

[Artisi]

Get your supply of pop-corn ready, Thai politics is becoming interesting. 

[candide]

2 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I think it was last week (maybe this week) I said the House and the Senate should be dissolved with fresh national elections for both. This is what should happen but I think I can hear tank engines warming up.

Fresh elections would likely result in a surge of the People's Party, and army forces in Bangkok are not under direct command of the army chief any more.

 

I doubt that any of these options would get an approval from above....

[Hunz Kittisak]

4 minutes ago, candide said:

Fresh elections would likely result in a surge of the People's Party, and army forces in Bangkok are not under direct command of the army chief any more.

 

I doubt that any of these options would get an approval from above....

Best scenario is PTP and PP win elections and form the next government. As what the electorate wanted the last elections

Out with the military and their cronies 

[candide]

14 minutes ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

Best scenario is PTP and PP win elections and form the next government. As what the electorate wanted the last elections

Out with the military and their cronies 

I doubt that's what is expected from Thaksin at a stratospheric level...

[ronnie50]

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In the wake of the leak, Hun Sen has denied any involvement in its dissemination but offered to provide the entire audio to Thai authorities for greater transparency.

Ah ha! That's what I figured. He didn't leak it. He could be lying of course, but I doubt it - nothing really in it for him. But personally I think this whole border thing was a set up from the get-go by the hidden hands on the Thai side to create the shakier ground the Establishment needs to try and formulate a coup. If she hangs on, the coalition falls apart and there could be a coup. If she dissolves the parliament it triggers an election and there could be a coup before the vote (establishment are afraid of a People's Party majority victory). The Bangkok Post's hard copy (I actually saw a hard copy today!) said she was 'boxed in' - I figure that's about right.

[Hunz Kittisak]

55 minutes ago, candide said:

I doubt that's what is expected from Thaksin at a stratospheric level...

As long as Thaksin can keep PP in check I dun see why not. 
Sometimes you have to give the people a little bit of power in order to retain control/power