Pressure mounts on PM to quit

Govt faces crisis in wake of leaked chat

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has come under increasing pressure to resign, following the release of a leaked audio recording of her conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.

In the recording, Ms Paetongtarn said Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, the commander of the 2nd Army Region, was "not one of us" — suggesting a split between the government and the military over issues concerning sovereignty and national security.

Ms Paetongtarn clarified yesterday that her comments were made in the interest of promoting peace and understanding. She further said that she has since communicated with the military leadership and has reached a mutual understanding.

However, demands for her to take political responsibility — either by resigning or by dissolving the House of Representatives to pave the way for an election — have continued to grow.

Activists and protesters rallied outside Government House yesterday, demanding Ms Paetongtarn’s immediate resignation.