Paetongtarn stays as PM as partners jockey for ministerial posts

APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT

BANGKOK — The withdrawal of a key partner from Thailand’s ruling coalition has opened the way for smaller parties to demand more influence, analysts say, as Paetongtarn Shinawatra stays in the prime minister’s post, and with her coalition now holding a slim House majority.

The current coalition now comprises 11 parties, led by Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party. After the Bhumjaithai Party’s exit announcement on Wednesday over a leaked audio clip of a conversation between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, other parties called urgent meetings to discuss whether to remain loyal to the Thai prime minister.