Political situation in Thailand

Shinawatra criticizes commander: “Playing tough”

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has come under heavy criticism after her phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen was leaked.

In the conversation, she criticizes a high-ranking Thai commander who, unlike Shinawatra, wants to see a tougher approach to the flare-up border conflict with Cambodia.

“He’s just trying to play tough and say things that are not helpful to our country,” she said in the conversation, according to Reuters.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have recently increased due to a dispute over areas on the border between the countries. Shinawatra is trying to find a diplomatic solution, but her opponents, including the army, are calling for military action.

Second largest party withdraws from Thailand's government

The Bhumjaithai party is withdrawing from the Thai government. The announcement is a severe blow to the incumbent Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who now has only a small majority, reports Reuters.

Bhumjaithai is criticizing Shinawatra after it was revealed that she had had telephone contact with Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of Cambodia. Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have increased recently and both sides have increased their military presence on the border between the countries.

The Prime Minister has been criticized for trying to resolve the conflict through diplomacy when the country's military has demanded a tougher stance.