Opposition leader, Natthapong Ruengpanyawut, called today for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to take political responsibility for the controversial phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen, during which she referred to a Thai army commander as her “opponent”.
Natthapong, leader of People’s Party, said that what was said in this audio clip should be the final straw for Paetongtarn as prime minister, because it has completely eroded public confidence in her leadership.
In the past two years, Pheu Thai has failed to deliver on its election pledges or tackle major issues, such as constitutional amendments, military reform and the cost-of-living crisis.
“Yesterday’s audio leak is the latest major political debacle for Prime Minister Paetongtarn. It has destroyed the credibility of the country’s leader,” Natthapong alleged.
“Some have demanded a House dissolution, for the PM to resign and some have even called for unconstitutional measures, like a coup.”
Natthapong also called for the government’s coalition partners to quit Paetongtarn’s administration. His party is ready for a new election, he said, “if the House is dissolved.”
“We maintain our position, that the only thing we are calling for is for the PM to use her authority to dissolve the House,” he said.
Commenting on the premier’s explanation, that her conversation with Hun Sen was simply a part of diplomatic strategy, Natthapong said he understood the value of both formal and informal diplomacy.
“What we want to hear is the PM persuading Cambodia to use bilateral diplomatic channels, but we haven’t heard that message at all,” he said.
If the prime minister refuses to resign or dissolve the House, Natthapong said that his party would use all available parliamentary mechanisms to pressure her into stepping down.
