Islamabad, June 21, 2025: Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra made a formal appology on Thursday after a private phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen leaked, provoking public anger and putting her government under serious threat.
Her main coalition ally, the Bhumjaithai Party, walked away on Wednesday, alleging that her actions had harmed the country reputation and insulted the armed forces. As calls for her resignation or new elections grow louder, the political atmosphere has become increasingly tense. This whole situation unfolds when Thailand is making serious attempts to revive its faltering economy and avoiding US President Donald Trump’s harsh trade tariffs.
As criticism mounted, Paetongtarn appeared in front of reporters with senior army officials and leaders from her Pheu Thai party. “I would like to apologise for the leaked audio of my conversation with a Cambodian leader which has caused public resentment,” she said.
In the recording, Paetongtarn discusses a border disagreement with Hun Sen — who still holds major influence in Cambodia despite stepping down in 2023. She calls him “uncle” and refers to a top Thai general in the northeast as her “enemy,” a comment that caused a storm on social media.
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Thailand’s foreign ministry called in the Cambodian ambassador on Thursday and handed over a letter of protest about the leaked conversation.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Chartthaipattana, United Thai Nation, and Democrat parties held urgent talks. Later, Chartthaipattana’s head Varawut Silpa-archa told reporters his party would stay in the government and meet Thai PM Paetongtarn to decide next steps.
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The Thai army released a statement saying General Pana Claewplodtook stands firm in his support for democracy and protecting the country’s sovereignty. Thailand has faced 12 military takeovers since the end of royal rule in 1932.
