Thailand: Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing the biggest political crisis of her tenure after a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen sparked public outrage, strained diplomatic ties, and fractured her ruling coalition.
In the recording, Paetongtarn, daughter of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra can be heard criticising a senior Thai military commander, describing him as someone who ‘just wanted to look tough’ and labelling him an opponent. Referring to Hun Sen as uncle, she also stated that, “just let me know, I’ll take care of it”, regarding the ongoing border dispute between the two nations.
The leak has caused uproar within Thailand’s military and conservative establishment. Paetongtarn apologised that, “I would like to apologise for the leaked audio of my conversation with a Cambodian leader which has caused public resentment.”
Hun Sen, who ruled Cambodia for nearly 40 years before stepping down in 2023, released the full version of the call after an edited clip initially surfaced online. Though no longer Prime Minister, Hun Sen remains a key political figure and a long-time ally of the Shinawatra family.
The fallout has shaken Thailand’s fragile ruling coalition. The conservative Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest in the bloc, withdrew its support, reducing the government to a slim majority. Leaders of the Chartthaipattana, United Thai Nation, and Democrat parties held emergency talks but have not yet followed suit.
Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People’s Party urged Paetongtarn to dissolve parliament, warning that the crisis could be exploited by groups aiming to destabilise the country or potentially provoke a military coup.
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut remarked that, “We must not allow this issue to be used as a pretext to harm democracy.” Thailand has experienced a dozen military coups since 1932, with the Shinawatra family often at the heart of the nation’s political battles. Thaksin was ousted in 2006, and his sister Yingluck was removed from office by a court ruling and a military coup in 2014.
The Thai military issued a rare public statement, affirming its neutrality and commitment to democratic values. Gen Pana Claewplodtook, army chief noted that, “The paramount imperative is for Thai people to stand united in defending national sovereignty.”
Legal challenges are also gaining ground. Three separate petitions have been filed against Paetongtarn, including to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and Central Investigation Bureau, alleging ethical misconduct, national security breaches, and constitutional violations. The Election Commission has also been urged to open a probe.
Despite the turmoil, Paetongtarn has resisted calls to resign and insisted her administration remains committed to national unity and defending Thai sovereignty. Paetongtarn noted that, “Now is not the time for internal conflict. The government stands with the military.”
She is scheduled to visit northeast Thailand, where she will meet Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, the very officer she criticised in the call — as tensions continue to simmer along the Cambodian border.
The crisis unfolds as Thailand grapples with economic challenges, including a tourism slump due to declining Chinese arrivals and the looming threat of US-imposed tariffs.
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