Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is under increasing pressure to resign after a leaked conversation with Cambodia’s de facto leader, Hun Sen, sparked outrage in her country. The conversation, intended to ease tensions over a border dispute with Cambodia, has instead intensified political turmoil in Thailand.
The conversation took place on Sunday, where Paetongtarn discussed the ongoing border issue with Hun Sen, the former Cambodian prime minister. The exchange, conducted with Thai and Khmer interpreters, was later posted on Hun Sen’s Facebook page on Wednesday. In the recording, Paetongtarn addresses Hun Sen as “uncle” in English and disparages the Thai military, suggesting it was attempting to appear “cool” by making unhelpful statements. She also reassures Hun Sen that if he wanted something, the Thai government would facilitate it.
The public backlash was swift. Both members of the ruling coalition and the opposition have called for her resignation, accusing her of undermining Thailand’s military and compromising national sovereignty. The incident has reignited dissatisfaction with the Shinawatra family, which has long been a polarizing force in Thai politics. Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, is a former prime minister with a controversial legacy that includes accusations of corruption.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Paetongtarn defended her comments, explaining that her “softer tone” was part of a “negotiation technique.” However, this explanation did little to quell the public outcry. The Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest member of the governing coalition, announced it would withdraw from the alliance, further weakening Paetongtarn’s position in Parliament.
Political analysts have suggested that the controversy marks the beginning of the end for Paetongtarn’s administration. On Thursday, protesters gathered outside her office in Bangkok, demanding accountability. In a public statement, Paetongtarn expressed regret for her comments but did not address calls for her resignation. She also condemned Hun Sen for sharing the private conversation.
The situation adds to the ongoing challenges Thailand faces, including trade negotiations with the Trump administration and unresolved tensions with Cambodia. The military, which has previously intervened in politics, has remained largely silent, but analysts speculate that they may use legal channels to address the issue.
Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has called for the dissolution of Parliament, warning that changing the prime minister through external pressure, likely referencing the military, would not solve the problem. Meanwhile, the Thai army chief emphasized national unity as the priority and stated that national interests should come before all else.
Paetongtarn, 37, became Asia’s youngest prime minister when she took office in 2024, following the removal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, for ethics violations. Her rise was seen as a significant victory for her father, Thaksin, who returned to Thailand in 2023 after 15 years in exile. However, her administration has been under scrutiny, particularly regarding her father’s controversial return and the treatment he received in prison, including a VIP hospital stay that has raised questions about the legitimacy of his detention. This issue will be revisited in a Supreme Court hearing next week.
