Thailand’s newly-appointed Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, issued an apology on Thursday for a leaked phone conversation with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen. The call sparked public outrage and threatened to fracture her governing coalition, pushing Thailand into another bout of political turbulence as the nation seeks to revitalize its economy and avoid U.S. trade penalties.
As pressure intensified, Paetongtarn apologized during a press conference, flanked by military leaders and key Pheu Thai party figures. She expressed regret for the leak that revealed her discussing an ongoing border dispute with Hun Sen, who, despite stepping down in 2023, still holds significant sway in Cambodia. Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and addressed the Thai army commander in the northeast as her opponent, inciting fierce criticism on social media and prompting the Thai Foreign Ministry to summon the Cambodian ambassador over the matter.
A royalist supporter brandishing a sign reading “Thai government with Khmer heart Get Out” exemplifies the anti-government sentiment spurred by the leak. In response to the mounting crisis, the conservative Bhumjaithai party withdrew its support, citing damage to the country’s dignity and the military’s, after the phone call cast a shadow over both the government’s stability and the economy.
Despite initial fears that Paetongtarn might face calls to step down or hold early elections, the Chartthaipattana party, along with the United Thai Nation and Democrat parties, chose not to withdraw support for the Prime Minister—at least for now.
Thailand’s military voiced its commitment to democratic principles and national sovereignty, which is pivotal as the nation teeters on the brink of fresh political upheaval. The military’s historical influence in Thai politics has led to rumors and concerns about potential coups, a recurring threat since the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932.
As the political landscape unfolds, Paetongtarn’s situation reflects a broader pattern in Thai politics: the Shinawatra family’s ongoing struggle for political power amidst opposition and military intervention. The leaked recording has been seen by some as evidence of the Prime Minister’s inexperience and inability to manage national security issues, reigniting old rivalries and tensions between conservative and populist factions vying for control.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/20/thai-prime-minister-paetongtarn-shinawatra-apologises-phone-leak-crisis-cambodia-hun-sen
