Bangkok – Thailand’s government is facing a deepening political crisis after a leaked phone call between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen triggered public outcry, a coalition breakdown, and heightened fears of military intervention.
The fallout has escalated tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations and threatens the stability of Paetongtarn’s administration just ten months into her tenure.
Leaked Call Sparks Backlash
In the June 15 call, which was made public by Hun Sen himself, Paetongtarn appealed for a peaceful resolution to a border clash in May that left a Cambodian soldier dead. She referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and appeared to downplay the role of the Thai military, suggesting that a Thai general involved in the situation “just wants to look cool.”
Facing mounting criticism, Paetongtarn, 38, held a press conference flanked by senior military officials, apologizing for her remarks.
“My intention was to help stabilise the situation. I never expected the conversation to be leaked,” she said. “Moving forward, I will be more cautious with my negotiating approach.”
She also stated she would no longer engage in private conversations with Hun Sen, citing a breakdown of trust.
Coalition in Disarray
The scandal has had immediate political consequences. Late Wednesday, the Bhumjaithai Party, the largest coalition partner of Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party, announced its withdrawal from the government.
Bhumjaithai, a conservative party holding 69 seats, said the prime minister’s conduct had “wounded the dignity” of both the nation and its armed forces.
Their exit leaves Paetongtarn’s coalition with a razor-thin majority in the 495-member parliament, increasing the likelihood of a snap election, just over two years since the last general polls.
Opposition Calls for Elections
The People’s Party, a successor to the now-disbanded Move Forward Party, seized on the turmoil to demand fresh elections.
“The leaked phone call is the last straw,” said Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party. “The prime minister should dissolve parliament and let the people choose a legitimate government.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Government House, calling for Paetongtarn’s resignation.
Military Reacts, Coup Fears Surface
In a country with a long history of military coups, Paetongtarn’s perceived slight against the army has raised alarms. Thailand has experienced 12 coups since 1932.
The army issued a rare statement, asserting that General Pana Claewplodtook, the army chief, “affirms commitment to democratic principles and national sovereignty protection.”
Despite the military’s public show of support, fears of intervention persist, especially given that both Paetongtarn’s father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck Shinawatra were ousted by military coups.
“We don’t have time for infighting. We must protect our sovereignty,” Paetongtarn said at the press conference. “The government fully supports the military in its duties.”
Diplomatic Fallout with Cambodia
The Thai government has also taken diplomatic action, summoning the Cambodian ambassador on Thursday and delivering a formal protest over the leak.
“It is a serious violation of diplomatic norms and trust between neighbouring countries,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura.
Hun Sen, who ruled Cambodia for nearly four decades before stepping down in 2023, released the full 17-minute recording on Facebook, claiming it was done to avoid any “misunderstandings or misrepresentation.”
He admitted sharing the call with about 80 individuals, speculating that someone among them leaked it to discredit Paetongtarn.
Border Tensions Simmer
The timing of the leak has further strained ties between the two nations, which have a long history of border disputes, most recently in the Emerald Triangle, where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos converge.
A deadly exchange of fire in May reignited the territorial tensions, prompting fears of further military clashes.
