Thailand's Prime Minister Refuses to Resign Amid Political Turmoil

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, has indicated through a senior official from her ruling Pheu Thai party that she will not step down or dissolve the parliament. This stance comes as she faces escalating demands for her resignation due to criticisms regarding her management of a border issue with Cambodia. Sorawong Thienthong, Thailand's tourism minister, announced the Prime Minister's commitment to address the country's crises to the best of her abilities in a public statement.

The Prime Minister, who is also the daughter of the controversial former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, is currently under scrutiny after a phone conversation was leaked. In the discussion with Hun Sen, Cambodia's former leader, she appeared to show deference toward him while making disparaging comments about a senior military figure from Thailand. As a direct consequence of this incident, the Bhumjaithai Party, which held the second-largest seat count in the ruling coalition, withdrew from the alliance.

Additionally, another coalition partner, the United Thai Nation party, is reportedly poised to request her resignation in order to lend their support back to the Pheu Thai-led government, which holds a delicate majority in parliament. Paetongtarn has issued an apology regarding the phone call but has yet to address the growing political crisis publicly. Moreover, activists have organized protests in Bangkok, scheduled to commence on June 28, calling for her resignation and comprising groups known for their potent opposition to previous Shinawatra administrations.