Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra issued a public apology on Thursday for comments made during a leaked phone conversation with Cambodian leader Hun Sen, a recording that has sparked controversy and heightened tensions over border disputes between the two nations. Speaking at a press conference in Bangkok, surrounded by senior military commanders and government ministers, Paetongtarn expressed regret over the incident and sought to reassure the public of unity between her administration and the armed forces.
Public Apology and a Call for Caution
Addressing the media at Government House on June 19, 2025, Paetongtarn acknowledged the unintended exposure of her private conversation, which was secretly recorded and subsequently leaked by Hun Sen. “I must apologise for what happened as I really didn’t know that the conversation was recorded” she said. The prime minister emphasized her commitment to being more cautious with her words in the future, adding, “From now on, I’ll be more careful with my words. If we are united, we will survive this crisis.”
The apology came after an urgent meeting with top military brass, where discussions focused on the escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. Paetongtarn used the opportunity to underscore the importance of solidarity, assuring the public that her government stands firmly with the armed forces to protect Thailand’s territorial integrity against any potential intrusion from Cambodia. 
The Leaked Conversation: A Diplomatic Misstep
The controversy stems from an audio clip released by Hun Sen on Wednesday, capturing a conversation in which Paetongtarn appeared to downplay the actions of the commander of Thailand’s Second Army Area, who oversees security along the shared border. In the recording, the Thai prime minister reportedly urged Hun Sen to disregard the commander’s statements and decisions, referring to the military official as being on the “other side” of both governments’ interests. While the exact context of her remarks remains unclear, the leak has fueled speculation about internal divisions within Thailand’s leadership. The Second Army Area commander had recently reduced operating hours at several border crossings, a move seen as a retaliatory response to Cambodia’s reported military buildup in the region. Paetongtarn later clarified that her comments during the call were not intended to undermine the military but rather to de-escalate tensions with Cambodia. However, the public disclosure of the conversation has raised questions about diplomatic protocol and the security of high-level communications.
Hun Sen’s Deliberate Breach of Trust
The decision by Hun Sen to record and leak the private conversation represents a flagrant breach of diplomatic trust, particularly in the context of already heightened tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Recording a call without the knowledge or consent of the Thai Prime Minister is an action akin to planting a listening device under the table at a diplomatic meeting—an insightless, immature, and deliberately damaging move that undermines efforts to mend the fragmented relationship between the two nations. Such actions do nothing to foster dialogue or cooperation, instead exacerbating mistrust at a time when both sides are grappling with sensitive border disputes. Reports have surfaced suggesting that Hun Sen shared the recorded conversation with Cambodian MPs and his son, Hun Manet, the current Cambodian Prime Minister, before its public release. There are also claims that Hun Sen threatened to disseminate the full recording, a move that, if true, further underscores the deliberate nature of this hostility. These reports have fueled outrage in Thailand, with many viewing the former Cambodian leader’s actions as a calculated attempt to destabilize Paetongtarn’s government and inflame bilateral tensions.
Urgent Meeting and National Security Focus
Following the leak, Paetongtarn swiftly convened a meeting with senior military leaders on Thursday to address the border situation and reaffirm her administration’s commitment to national security. During the press conference that followed, she stressed the need for cooperation between the government and the armed forces at a time of heightened regional uncertainty. “Now, we have no time to fight among ourselves. We must defend our sovereignty, and the government is ready to support the armed forces by all means. We will work together” she stated.
The prime minister also highlighted the importance of considering the safety of Thai citizens, particularly those living near the border and in Cambodia, before taking any further action. This cautious approach reflects the delicate balance her government must strike between asserting national interests and avoiding a broader conflict that could endanger lives and disrupt cross-border communities.
Diplomatic Fallout and Government Response
In a sharp rebuke of Hun Sen’s decision to leak the recording, Paetongtarn revealed that Thailand’s Foreign Ministry had summoned the Cambodian ambassador to address the breach of diplomatic norms. “No one does this in other countries” she said, expressing frustration over the incident and suggesting that such actions would not be tolerated by other world leaders. The move signals Bangkok’s intent to hold Phnom Penh accountable for what it perceives as a violation of trust, even as it seeks to manage the underlying border dispute through dialogue.
The leaked call has also drawn attention to the broader context of Thai-Cambodian relations, which have long been strained by territorial disagreements, particularly over areas near the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site claimed by both nations. While the current tensions do not appear to center on this specific dispute, the military buildup and border restrictions underscore the fragility of peace in the region.
Domestically, the incident has intensified scrutiny of Paetongtarn’s leadership, with critics questioning her judgment in handling sensitive diplomatic matters. The leak comes at a challenging time for her administration, which has faced ongoing political pressures since her appointment as prime minister. Reports of protests by the so-called “Yellow Shirts,” a political faction historically opposed to the Shinawatra family’s influence, indicate growing unrest in Bangkok, with some groups demanding her resignation over the scandal.
Analysts suggest that the controversy could further erode public confidence in Paetongtarn’s government, particularly if perceptions of disunity between civilian and military leadership take hold. Thailand’s history of political instability, marked by frequent coups and street protests, adds a layer of complexity to the current crisis. For now, Paetongtarn has sought to project strength and cohesion, but the long-term impact of the leaked call on her political standing remains uncertain.
Public Sentiment and Calls for Unity
In her closing remarks at the press conference, Paetongtarn urged the Thai public to stand behind the government and armed forces during this critical period. “The government and armed forces are united, so I call on the people to have unity with the government. We should not fight among ourselves” she said. Her plea reflects an awareness of the potential for internal divisions to undermine Thailand’s response to external challenges, particularly in light of the leaked conversation’s fallout.
Public reactions to the incident have been mixed, with some expressing frustration over the apparent breach of privacy by a foreign leader, while others question the prime minister’s handling of the situation. Social media platforms have seen a surge in discussions about national sovereignty and the need for transparency in government communications, highlighting the polarized nature of public opinion on the matter.
As Thailand navigates the diplomatic and domestic fallout from the leaked call, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. Paetongtarn’s administration must work to rebuild trust with both the military and the public, while also addressing Cambodia’s actions in a manner that avoids further escalation. The summoning of the Cambodian ambassador is a first step, but sustained dialogue will be essential to resolving the underlying border tensions.
At the same time, the incident offers an opportunity for Thailand to reassess its protocols for high-level communications and strengthen safeguards against similar breaches in the future. For now, the nation watches as its leaders strive to turn a moment of vulnerability into a demonstration of resilience, with the hope that unity—both within the government and among the people—will prevail in the face of adversity.
As the situation unfolds, questions linger about how this episode will shape Thai-Cambodian relations and whether Paetongtarn’s call for unity can withstand the political storms brewing at home.
