Thai Conservative Party Quits Ruling Coalition in Blow to PM

The second-largest party in Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government quit the ruling coalition, a major setback for the leader facing calls for resignation after blaming her own military for escalating a border dispute with neighbor Cambodia.

The executive committee of the conservative Bhumjaithai Party with 69 lawmakers in the 500-member House of Representatives decided late Wednesday to part ways with Paetongtarn’s ruling bloc. Eight ministers of the party including leader Anutin Charnvirakul have submitted their resignations to the prime minister, which will be effective from Thursday, the party said in a statement.