BANGKOK — Thailand’s political landscape has intensified following the release of a private audio conversation between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen on Wednesday. Opposition groups and anti-Thaksin factions have called for the female prime minister’s resignation or parliament dissolution, with some citing concerns about preventing a military coup.
Audio Leak Details
Former Cambodian Prime Minister and current Senate President Hun Sen confirmed on June 18 the authenticity of the 17-minute, 6-second audio clip on Wednesday. Initially, a 9.5-minute version was leaked, but Hun Sen subsequently released the entire conversation. The discussion included interpreter Mr. Kleang Huot, with Hun Sen claiming the recording was necessary for transparency and internal Cambodian use to avoid misunderstandings in official matters.
Hun Sen stated that “a few hours after the conversation, the Thai Prime Minister accused the Cambodian leader of engaging in ‘unprofessional’ politics and conducting political activities via Facebook, an action that contradicts her own words.”
Controversial Statements
Opposition and anti-government groups have heavily criticized Paetongtarn’s remarks in the audio, including:
- Referring to Hun Sen as “uncle”
- Advising not to listen to Thailand’s Second Army Region commander, calling him someone who “opposes us and wants to look tough”
- Telling Hun Sen to inform her of any requests so she could handle them
- Asking for sympathy, saying she faces heavy attacks and has even been told to become Cambodia’s prime minister
Opposition leader Nattapong Ruangpanyawut called on PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra to dissolve parliament to show responsibility for the mishandling of Thai-Cambodia border conflict and to prevent a coup.
“If the Prime Minister cannot quickly restore the confidence and trust of the Thai people, I urge Ms Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, to take political responsibility under the democratic system by dissolving parliament to return power to the people and to prevent certain groups from escalating Paetongtarn’s mistakes, leading to a situation that is not beneficial to our democracy,” he said.
Border Tensions Context
Overlooked content in the conversation included the Thai PM’s desire to restore calm before potential military clashes between the two sides (referring to the March 28 incident). She added that the new generation, like herself and Hun Manet, must ensure there is no war.
Hun Sen’s condition was for Thailand to lift all border checkpoint restrictions, after which Cambodia would return to normal operations. Paetongtarn responded that she would discuss this with the Ministry of Defence first.
No More Private Conversations
Prime Minister Paetongtarn confirmed the clip’s authenticity, calling it a private conversation and describing Cambodia’s move as an attempt to create division between her government and the military. She understood the clip’s release was intended to boost Hun Sen’s popularity and stated there would be no more private conversations between them. Regarding future trust between the two families, she expressed uncertainty.
Paetongtarn insisted there are no problems between the government and military, emphasizing that she always consults with military leadership before taking action.
“I understand. There’s nothing.”
Various military Facebook pages, including those of the Royal Thai Army and the Civil Affairs Department, posted morale-boosting messages about military dignity and demonstrated strong stances on defending national sovereignty.
Second Army Region Commander Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang said Wednesday afternoon that PM Paetongtarn called to explain the situation, and he harbors no grievances against her, stating “I understand. There’s nothing.”
Coalition Crisis
The international political tension coincides with internal government strain amid ongoing cabinet reshuffle rumors. The Interior Ministry has been particularly contentious, with reports that the Pheu Thai Party wants to reclaim it from the Bhumjaithai Party. Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul has refused, declaring readiness to become opposition and recently removing his belongings from the Interior Ministry.
In his final interview as Interior Minister, Anutin said he had worked there for nearly two years with solidarity and policy implementation, with no gaps between permanent and political staff. He considered his responsibilities concluded and would resume his MP duties after leaving office.
As opposition party, Bhumjaithai will oppose the Entertainment Bill and not support the 2026 budget.
Anutin’s Stance on Audio Leak
When asked about the leaked audio, Anutin said that Bhumjaithai Party members were not particularly pleased, but he maintained that he still has a good relationship with the Prime Minister. He described this as a difficult time for her — not a moment for criticism or negativity.
“Right now, nothing sounds good when asked. In turbulent situations, we need time to regain composure and resolve issues. Don’t rush to get emotional or try to fix things hastily, because the more you fix, the more tangled it becomes. We might need to stay quiet for a while,” he said in conclusion.
However, his party, Bhumjaithai, later issued a statement announcing its withdrawal from the Pheu Thai-led coalition government and called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn to take responsibility for the leaked and controversial audio clip.
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