Thai PM Faces Resignation Calls After Leaked Cambodia Call Sparks Crisis
Breaking Political Crisis
- Coalition Collapse: Bhumjaithai party quits government after PM Paetongtarn’s leaked call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen
- Contentious Audio: PM addressed Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized Thai military’s border stance
- Slim Majority at Risk: Ruling coalition’s stability hangs on two remaining partners’ Thursday meeting
Why This Matters
- Diplomatic Fallout:
- Thailand “deeply disappointed” by leak of “private conversation” (Foreign Ministry)
- Hun Sen shared full 17-minute recording on Facebook, escalating tensions
- Political Backlash:
- Opposition demands resignation over “deference to Cambodia”
- Military factions angered by PM’s “look cool” remark about commander
- Border Crisis:
- May 2024 clash killed Cambodian soldier, triggered trade bans (fruit, electricity, TV dramas)
- Century-old dispute reignited
Key Players
👑 Paetongtarn Shinawatra:
- Youngest Thai PM (38), daughter of exiled ex-PM Thaksin
- 10 months in office – already facing existential threat
🤝 Hun Sen:
- Cambodian leader and Shinawatra family ally (“godbrother” to Thaksin)
- Defended leak: “Shared with 80 politicians”
