Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Faces Political Storm After Leaked Call With Cambodia’s Hun Sen

TDT | Manama

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Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing the most serious political crisis of her 10-month tenure after a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen triggered public backlash and political fallout.

The controversial audio, which was shared publicly by Hun Sen himself, captured Paetongtarn referring to the Cambodian leader as “uncle” and appearing to undermine a top Thai military commander during a discussion about an ongoing border dispute. The leak has not only enraged critics but also shaken the foundation of her fragile ruling coalition.

Coalition on the Brink

The fallout was swift. The Bhumjaithai Party, Thailand’s second-largest political party and a key partner in the ruling coalition, announced its withdrawal from the alliance on Wednesday. The departure significantly weakens Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai-led coalition, leaving it with only a slim parliamentary majority that could evaporate if more allies follow suit.

Two additional coalition partners are scheduled to meet later on Thursday to reassess their positions, raising concerns that the government may soon collapse.

Public Apology Amid Mounting Pressure

Facing mounting criticism, Paetongtarn issued a public apology for the leaked conversation:

“I would like to apologise for the leaked audio of my conversation with a Cambodian leader which has caused public resentment,” she said on Thursday.

The 38-year-old leader attempted to defend her remarks as a diplomatic strategy, saying it was part of a negotiation technique, but opposition figures and military supporters have called for her resignation.

“Uncle” Controversy and Military Friction

In the call, Paetongtarn, a close family friend of Hun Sen, promised to “take care” of his needs and criticized a Thai commander handling recent border tensions, saying he “just wanted to look cool and said things that are not useful.” The comments have been interpreted by many as a sign of disrespect toward Thailand’s powerful military establishment.

The familial relationship between the Shinawatras and Hun Sen’s family is no secret. Paetongtarn’s father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Hun Sen have long referred to each other as “godbrothers.”

Diplomatic Fallout and Border Tensions

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a letter of protest to the Cambodian ambassador, expressing “deep disappointment” over the leak of what it described as a private conversation.

“Trust and respect between the two leaders are fundamental to good neighbourliness and conduct among states,” the letter read, adding that the leak could severely damage ongoing efforts to resolve border tensions in good faith.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been rising since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a skirmish along the disputed border. In retaliation, Cambodia imposed sweeping bans on Thai imports, including fruits, vegetables, electricity, and even Thai dramas on television and in cinemas. Both nations have since tightened border controls.

A Fragile Future

Paetongtarn, Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister and only the second woman to hold the post after her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra, assumed office last August following the court-ordered removal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin.

Now, less than a year into her premiership, she faces growing calls to step down and a coalition government teetering on the edge. With diplomatic ties fraying and domestic political support eroding, her future as Thailand’s leader hangs in the balance.