A leaked phone conversation involving Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen has triggered a significant political crisis, threatening to destabilize her government. The incident escalated when a major coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai party, withdrew its support in response to rising public outrage.
On Thursday, public calls for Paetongtarn’s resignation intensified amid fears of renewed political instability and a potential military clash related to a border dispute with Cambodia. The controversy centers on a phone call in which Paetongtarn discussed the border situation with Hun Sen, who retains considerable influence in Cambodia. The conversation, held on June 15, occurred after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a border clash in May.
During the call, Paetongtarn asked Hun Sen, addressing him as “uncle,” to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict while urging him to ignore opposing views from Thailand, including comments from a Thai army general aimed at enhancing his own image.
In a press conference attended by high-ranking military officials, Paetongtarn, a member of Thailand’s political dynasty, expressed regret over the leak. “My intention was to help stabilize the situation, and I never expected the conversation to be leaked,” she stated, as per reports from the AFP news agency. She added, “Moving forward, I will be more cautious with my negotiating approach,” and announced that she would no longer engage in private discussions with Hun Sen due to a lack of trust.
The fallout from the incident has significantly damaged Paetongtarn’s standing, just ten months into her term. The Bhumjaithai party, the largest partner in her coalition with 69 members, announced its withdrawal late Wednesday, citing damage to national and military dignity as their primary concern.
The departure of Bhumjaithai leaves Paetongtarn’s coalition in a precarious situation, holding a slim majority in the 495-seat parliament. As other coalition parties convene to discuss their future, speculation about a forthcoming snap election arises.
The main opposition, the People’s Party, has called for new elections, with its leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut stating, “The situation yesterday on the leaked phone call is the last straw for Prime Minister Paetongtarn in harming public trust in her.” He urged for the dissolution of parliament, advocating for a government capable of addressing the people’s needs.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Government House on Thursday, demanding the prime minister’s resignation amid the crisis.
The military’s position is also delicate, as Paetongtarn’s comments directed towards a general have further complicated the political landscape in a nation with a history of military intervention. The army reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values and national sovereignty, with Army Chief General Pana Claewplodtook stating, “The paramount imperative is for Thai people to stand united in collectively defending national sovereignty.”
Concerns are mounting that the escalating political tensions could lead to another coup, a fate that befell both her father and aunt, former prime ministers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra, respectively. During her press conference, Paetongtarn called for national unity, asserting her government’s readiness to support the military.
In a further escalation of tensions, Thailand summoned the Cambodian ambassador on Thursday, delivering a protest letter regarding the leak of the private conversation, which was deemed a serious breach of diplomatic protocol. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura condemned the leak, highlighting its detrimental impact on diplomatic relations.
Hun Sen, who resigned as Cambodia’s prime minister in 2023 and is now represented by his son, Hun Manet, recently posted the full audio of the 17-minute conversation on his Facebook page, after a portion had been leaked. He shared that he recorded the call “to avoid any misunderstanding or misrepresentation,” claiming it was circulated to over 80 individuals before being leaked, likely by someone opposed to the Thai prime minister.
The territorial disputes between Thailand and Cambodia have a long history, reigniting tensions in recent months after hostilities erupted along the shared border, notably in the Emerald Triangle region, where the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos converge.