Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has apologised after a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen sparked public outrage and destabilised her government. In the call, Paetongtarn — daughter of ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra — discussed a border dispute with Hun Sen, a close family ally. She criticised a senior Thai army commander, saying he “just wanted to look tough” and referred to him as an opponent. Calling Hun Sen “uncle,” she added, “If there’s anything you want, just let me know — I’ll take care of it.”
On Thursday, she told reporters: “I 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, stepped down in 2023 in favour of his son Hun Manet, but remains influential. Paetongtarn claimed the remarks were part of a negotiation tactic, but the public remains critical. Thailand’s foreign ministry summoned Cambodia’s ambassador to deliver a protest letter. Hun Sen later released the full audio after a partial clip circulated online.
The scandal triggered political fallout. The Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest in the ruling coalition, withdrew, leaving Paetongtarn with a thin parliamentary majority. Other coalition partners — Chartthaipattana, United Thai Nation, and Democrat parties — held emergency talks but have not exited yet. If another party leaves, her government could collapse, triggering an election or a new coalition.
Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut called for parliament to be dissolved, warning that the situation could spark unrest or a military coup. Thailand has experienced over a dozen coups since 1932. The past two decades have been marked by a power struggle between the military and the Shinawatra family. Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin, was overthrown in 2006; her aunt, Yingluck, was ousted by a court and coup in 2014.
On Thursday, hundreds of protesters — including former members of the anti-Thaksin “Yellow Shirt” movement — gathered outside Government House, demanding Paetongtarn resign.
Political analyst Ken Lohatepanont said a coup was unlikely but not impossible: “The democratic process has not yet reached an impasse,” he said. The Thai military, in a statement, affirmed its commitment to democracy and national sovereignty. Army chief Gen Pana Claewplodtook urged national unity.
Paetongtarn, in office for less than a year, also faces legal threats. At least three petitions have been filed, including to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and Central Investigation Bureau, accusing her of misconduct and endangering national security. The Election Commission has also been urged to investigate. The crisis adds to existing economic troubles. A drop in Chinese tourists has hit the tourism sector, and the US is threatening to impose 36% tariffs on Thai goods.
Paetongtarn has not resigned but stressed unity between her government and the military: “We have no time to fight among ourselves. We must defend our sovereignty. The government is ready to support the armed forces by all means,” she said. On Friday, she will visit northeast Thailand, where border clashes have occurred, to meet Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang — the officer she criticised in the call.
