Thai PM faces calls to quit after leaked phone call

Bangkok [Thailand], June 20: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's (pictured) coalition government is on the brink of collapse after a phone call between her and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen about a festering border dispute was leaked.
The leak provoked public anger and prompted a key coalition partner of the 38-year-old Paetongtarn's Peu Thai party to quit.
In the call, she addressed Hun Sen, a family friend and senior politician in the South East Asian region, as "uncle" and appeared to dismiss a Thai military commander.
"I would like to apologise for the leaked audio of my conversation with a Cambodian leader which has caused public resentment," Paetongtarn said on Thursday, as the pressure on her intensified.
Bhumjaithai, the second-largest party in Paetongtarn's ruling coalition, quit the alliance on Wednesday, dealing a major blow to her party's position in parliament.
Her coalition now holds a slim majority - which will be lost if more of its partners decide to leave. Two other coalition partners were to meet later on Thursday to discuss the situation. (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune