PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Leaked Call to Hun Sen Triggers Political Crisis

Bangkok — June 20, 2025: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing intense criticism and a looming political crisis following the release of a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s Senate President, Hun Sen, amid rising tensions over a recent border clash.

The Leak That Shook Thai Politics

A full 17-minute conversation, recorded by Hun Sen and posted on his Facebook page, revealed Paetongtarn referring to him as “uncle” and negotiating border restrictions following a deadly skirmish near a disputed area. Earlier, only an edited version had circulated, intensifying the political uproar.

Hun Sen defended posting the tape, saying he recorded it to “avoid any misunderstanding” and had shared it with at least 80 officials in Cambodia.

In the recording, Paetongtarn describes the Thai military commander responsible for the border area as “an opponent.” Critics seized on the terminology, accusing the prime minister of appearing weak and overly conciliatory toward Cambodia.

Political Fallout in Bangkok

Building outrage at the leak and its contents has led to serious political ramifications:

• Bhumjaithai Party, a key coalition partner, has withdrawn from the government, citing threats to Thailand’s sovereignty and demanding Paetongtarn take responsibility.
• The departure reduces the coalition to 255 seats in the 500-member parliament—just above the majority threshold.
• Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has called the incident “the last straw,” urging dissolution of parliament and early elections.
• Nationalist protests erupted outside Government House, with calls for resignation and even impeachment motions being filed.
• Some fear her remarks toward the border commander might embolden the military—raising concerns of a coup reminiscent of past upheavals in the Shinawatra family.

Strong Reaction from Thai Establishment

The Thai military issued a statement urging citizens to trust their constitutional mandate in safeguarding the nation. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry lodged a formal protest with Phnom Penh, calling the intentional release of the recording a diplomatic violation that breached trust and decorum.

Paetongtarn herself has defended her dialogue as “negotiation tactics to bring peace” and vowed no further private discussions with Hun Sen, stating, “It’s clear he cares more about his own popularity than the welfare of bilateral relations.”

Border Skirmish and Deep-rooted Ties

The tense call followed a May 28 clash on a disputed strip of land near the Thai-Cambodian border. In that confrontation, a Cambodian soldier was killed.

Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of both cooperation and conflict. Paetongtarn, daughter of ousted former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, and Hun Sen share personal ties. Thaksin once held the honorary title of “adviser” to Hun Sen—a relationship that deeply divides Thai public opinion, particularly among nationalists wary of external influence.

What Lies Ahead

• Government Stability at Stake: With one coalition partner gone and nationalist pressure mounting, Paetongtarn’s administration faces uncertainty.
• Calls for Early Election: Opposition leaders and public protests may push toward a mid-term election.
• Diplomatic Strains: Bangkok’s ire at Cambodia for leaking the call could escalate to reciprocal diplomatic moves.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra is navigating a fierce political storm following the leak of her private negotiations with Cambodia’s Hun Sen. Once a fragile coalition is now weakened, nationalist backlash is intensifying, and her government’s stability faces its toughest test yet. Diplomatically and domestically, Thailand’s leadership must move with both caution and decisiveness to mend political and international fault lines.