ฺBANGKOK, June 19 (TNA) – Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of Thailand’s People’s Party (PP), today demanded Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra dissolve parliament, calling it the only legitimate solution following a leaked audio clip of her conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
Natthapong asserted that the audio clip was the “final straw” for Paetongtarn, eroding public trust after a “cross-bloc” coalition government that he claimed failed to deliver on promises like constitutional amendments, military reform, or economic solutions. He stressed that resignation or a coup were not viable solutions for the country’s problems.
He urged remaining coalition parties to withdraw and help form a new, legitimate government. He confirmed the People’s Party is “ready for immediate elections” if parliament is dissolved today.
The PP leader dismissed concerns about a political vacuum if parliament is dissolved, stating that a caretaker government could still manage state affairs under the current constitution.
Regarding the leaked clip’s content, Natthapong criticized the Prime Minister for allegedly using personal connections to communicate problematic messages, such as portraying the government as being “opposite to the military,” despite previous claims of unity. He emphasized the need for official bilateral negotiation forums.
The PP leader concluded by stating his party would utilize all parliamentary mechanisms, including votes, to pressure the Prime Minister towards an early dissolution, warning that continued government control would further erode public trust. -819 (TNA)
