8 Thai ministers resign as 2nd largest party quits govt

 The Bhumjaithai party says the Thai prime minister’s criticism of the army in a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen is the ‘last straw’.

Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has suffered a blow with the second largest party in her ruling coalition pulling out. (AP pic)

BANGKOK:

 Thailand’s Bhumjaithai party, the second largest party in the ruling coalition, has announced its withdrawal from the government.

The Thai News Agency (TNA) quoted the party as saying in a statement that all eight of its ministers have submitted their resignations, effective June 19.

It cited prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s leaked phone call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen on the ongoing border dispute, in which she blamed her own military for “miscommunication”, as the “damaging” conduct that was the last straw, TNA reported. - FMT