Paetongtarn Shinawatra‘s Diplomatic Role Under Fire After Leaked Call

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing intense scrutiny regarding her diplomatic role after a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime minister Hun Sen triggered a national crisis. The 17.6-minute audio clip revealed Shinawatra making controversial statements, leading to widespread criticism and calls for her resignation. The incident has severely strained Thailand-cambodia relations and raised concerns about the nation’s diplomatic standing.

The Leaked Call and its Immediate Impact

The leaked audio featured Shinawatra referring to Hun Sen as “Uncle” and criticizing Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang,who is overseeing the Thai-Cambodian border,as “the opposition.” She also offered Hun Sen “whatever he wanted,” a move that has been widely condemned as a significant diplomatic misstep. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is now scrambling to mitigate the damage caused by the call, which has been described as the most damaging diplomatic blunder in Thailand’s modern history.

Did You Know? The relationship between Thaksin Shinawatra and Hun Sen dates back to 1994, adding another layer of complexity to this diplomatic crisis.

Official Response and Diplomatic Fallout

in response to the leak, the Thai government issued a statement expressing “deep disappointment” over Hun Sen’s breach of diplomatic norms. The Cambodian ambassador, Hun Saroeun, was summoned to acknowledge a formal protest, and the Thai ambassador to Cambodia, Tull Traisorat, returned to Bangkok for consultations. These actions represent standard crisis-control procedures, but the underlying damage to diplomatic relations remains a significant concern.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Diplomatic Style

Sources familiar with Shinawatra’s diplomatic approach suggest that she typically relies on prepared scripts and avoids unscripted interactions. At Asean summits, she often reads from an iPad and focuses primarily on economic cooperation and trade promotion, steering clear of complex political issues. The leaked phone call, though, offered an unfiltered glimpse into her diplomatic style, revealing a lack of preparation and a perceived lack of understanding of regional realpolitik.

Pro Tip: Effective diplomacy requires a deep understanding of regional politics, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex relationships.

The Generational Divide in Diplomacy

The situation has been framed as a mismatch between Shinawatra, a relatively inexperienced politician, and Hun Sen, a seasoned leader with four decades of experience in diplomacy and regional politics. At 38, Shinawatra was likened to a “rookie lightweight boxer” facing a “longstanding heavyweight champion.” This comparison highlights the challenges she faces in navigating the complexities of international relations.

Political Repercussions and Calls for Resignation

The leaked audio has triggered significant political fallout for Shinawatra. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against her, and social media is filled with memes, jokes, and angry commentary. The opposition is calling for her resignation or the dissolution of parliament, and protests are growing louder. Moreover, the Bhumjaithai Party, a key ally in the coalition government, withdrew its support following the leak, further destabilizing her premiership.

World

Thailand Coalition Crisis: Paetongtarn Shinawatra Phone Scandal

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor June 19, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

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Thailand Coalition on Brink After PM’s Call with Cambodian Leader Leaks

Table of Contents

• Thailand Coalition on Brink After PM’s Call with Cambodian Leader Leaks
  • Political Fallout and Calls for Resignation
  • Ancient Ties and Current Tensions
  • impact on Thailand-Cambodia Relations
  • Thailand’s Political Landscape: A History of Instability

Bangkok, Thailand – Teh stability of Thailand’s government coalition is in jeopardy following the exposure of a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate leader Hun Sen.The leaked call, revealed in a Facebook post by Hun Sen on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, has ignited political turmoil and raised questions about the Prime Minister’s conduct.

The 16-minute discussion between Shinawatra and Hun Sen centered on escalating border disputes that have strained relations between Thailand and Cambodia in recent weeks. Tensions flared after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a clash in May. During the call, shinawatra reportedly criticized a Thai military commander, accusing them of posturing and making unhelpful statements.

Political Fallout and Calls for Resignation

While Prime Minister Shinawatra has defended the phone call as a form of negotiation, opposition figures have condemned her actions, demanding her resignation on the grounds that she has compromised the integrity of the Thai military. The Bhumjaithai party, the second-largest member of the ruling coalition, withdrew from the alliance on Wednesday following the leak, delivering a significant blow to the Pheu Thai party’s position in parliament.

With Bhumjaithai’s departure,the coalition now holds only a slim majority in parliament. Further defections from coalition partners could led to its collapse. Two other parties within the Pheu Thai coalition are scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 19, 2025, to assess the situation.

Did you Know? Thailand has experienced 13 triumphant and 10 attempted military coups sence the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, highlighting the country’s history of political instability Council on Foreign Relations.

Ancient Ties and Current Tensions

The Shinawatra and Hun families have maintained a close relationship for decades.Hun Sen and Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father and former Thai Prime Minister, were known to be close allies. Despite these long-standing ties, Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated earlier this month that her familial connections would not prevent her from defending Thailand’s interests.

However, critics have questioned the appropriateness of her tone and deference during the conversation with Hun Sen, notably given the sensitive nature of the border dispute. The current situation underscores the complex interplay of personal relationships and national interests in Southeast Asian politics.

Pro Tip: Monitoring political developments in Thailand requires understanding the influence of powerful families and the military’s role in shaping the country’s trajectory.

impact on Thailand-Cambodia Relations

The leaked phone call and subsequent political fallout could further strain relations between Thailand and Cambodia. The border dispute, wich has been simmering for weeks, has already led to increased military presence in the region. In early June 2025,Thailand closed two border posts following clashes with cambodian forces Reuters.

The incident highlights the fragility of regional stability and the potential for personal relationships to influence diplomatic outcomes. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future of Thailand’s government and its relationship with its neighbor, Cambodia.