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

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing mounting pressure to resign after a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen triggered political turmoil and fractured her ruling coalition. 

The leaked 17-minute call, released by Hun Sen himself, captured Paetongtarn addressing Hun Sen as “uncle” and referring to a Thai army commander at the center of a recent border clash as “an opponent.” Critics accuse her of compromising national sovereignty and appearing too deferential to Cambodia.

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The controversy stems from a May 28 border clash that left one Cambodian soldier dead in a disputed area. The leak sparked outrage, particularly among right-wing nationalists long critical of Paetongtarn’s family. 

The Bhumjaithai Party, the largest coalition partner, withdrew its support citing damage to Thailand’s sovereignty and army. Its departure leaves Paetongtarn’s 10-party coalition with a fragile 255-seat majority in the 500-member House.

Paetongtarn defended the conversation as a negotiation tactic to ease tensions but has now vowed to avoid private talks with Hun Sen, accusing him of seeking domestic popularity at the expense of diplomatic trust. 

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry formally protested to Cambodia, calling the leak a violation of diplomatic norms.

Opposition leaders and nationalist protesters are demanding Paetongtarn’s resignation and fresh elections. Some senators plan to initiate impeachment proceedings. 

The military issued a statement reaffirming its constitutional role in protecting national sovereignty but called for public confidence in the army’s stability amid fears of another coup.

Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, were both ousted from office in past military coups.