Thai PM's Leaked Call with Cambodia's Strongman Hun Sen Sparks Crisis as Allies Turn Away | WPN World People News

Thailand and Cambodia clashed at the border on the 28th of last month, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The two countries held negotiations at the border over the past weekend, but both sides maintained a hardline stance, and no consensus was reached.

A leaked audio recording of a phone conversation between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian strongman Hun Sen on the 15th surfaced online, sparking widespread discontent within Thailand. In response, all ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party—the second-largest party in the ruling coalition—tendered their resignations and withdrew from the government.

The Bhumjaithai Party accused Paetongtarn of compromising Thailand’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interests, and the military. Without Bhumjaithai’s support, the Pheu Thai Party can no longer maintain a majority in the House of Representatives, making future governance significantly more difficult. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawu, leader of the opposition People’s Party—the largest opposition party—declared that the incident had destroyed the prime minister’s credibility and called for the dissolution of the House and fresh elections.

At a press conference, Paetongtarn apologized to the Thai people for the leaked recording, urging national unity, an end to internal strife, and the protection of national sovereignty. She emphasized that the government fully supports the military in all aspects. Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside the Prime Minister’s Office, demanding her resignation.

Hun Sen is the father of current Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, while Paetongtarn is the daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Both former leaders maintain a close personal relationship and remain active in politics.