Thai PM Faces Calls To Quit After Leaked Phone Call

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s coalition government is teetering on the edge of collapse after a leaked phone call between her and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen reignited tensions over a long-standing border dispute, Koh Ewe reported for BBC News.

In the recording, Paetongtarn addressed Hun Sen as “uncle” and appeared to dismiss the authority of a Thai military commander. I Photo: Ing Shin X

The leak sparked public outrage and led a key coalition partner of the 38-year-old leader’s Pheu Thai Party to withdraw from the government.

In the recording, Paetongtarn addressed Hun Sen—a longtime family friend and influential Southeast Asian political figure—as “uncle,” and appeared to dismiss the authority of a Thai military commander.

“I would like to apologize for the leaked audio of my conversation with a Cambodian leader, which has caused public resentment,” Paetongtarn said on Thursday, as pressure mounted on her leadership.

Bhumjaithai, the second-largest party in the ruling coalition, exited the alliance on Wednesday, delivering a significant blow to the government’s parliamentary strength.

The coalition now holds only a slim majority—one that could vanish if more parties choose to leave. Two other coalition members are expected to meet later on Thursday to discuss their positions.

Critics condemned Paetongtarn’s deferential tone toward Hun Sen, especially when she promised to “take care” of his concerns.

They also accused her of undermining the country’s powerful military. In the call, she said a Thai military commander involved in the latest flare-up “just wanted to look cool and said things that are not useful.”