Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Coalition Government on Brink of Collapse
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing intense political turmoil after a leaked privateThai PM leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen sparked widespread outrage. The scandal threatens to unravel the fragile coalition government that brought the 38-year-old leader to power less than a year ago.
The leaked audio, which surfaced earlier this week, captures a conversation between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen addressing the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border tensions. In the call, Paetongtarn refers to the influential Cambodian figure as “uncle” and appeared to criticize a top Thai military commander involved in the dispute, saying the officer “just wanted to look cool and said things that are not useful.”
Public backlash was swift. Many Thais viewed the conversation as overly deferential to Cambodia, undermining Thailand’s military leadership, and compromising national sovereignty. As anger mounted, the scandal quickly turned into a political crisis for Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party Thai PM leaked phone call.
Key Coalition Partner Bhumjaithai Withdraws Support
The political fallout intensified when the Bhumjaithai Party — the second-largest member of Paetongtarn’s coalition — officially withdrew from the ruling alliance on Wednesday. Without Bhumjaithai’s support, Pheu Thai’s majority in parliament has been severely weakened, putting the government’s survival in serious jeopardy Thai PM leaked phone call.
Other smaller coalition partners are now under intense pressure from both the public and opposition to follow suit. Two parties are reportedly holding emergency meetings to discuss their position as the coalition teeters on collapse.
Family Ties at the Heart of the Controversy
The Shinawatra family’s close ties to Cambodia’s Hun family lie at the center of the scandal. Hun Sen and Paetongtarn’s father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, have long considered each other “godbrothers.” Thaksin, himself a controversial figure, returned to Thailand last year after 15 years of self-imposed exile, resuming a powerful behind-the-scenes role in Thai politics.
Opponents accuse Paetongtarn of prioritizing personal family relationships over national interests. “This is not how a Thai Prime Minister should conduct foreign affairs,” one opposition leader declared during a heated parliamentary session.
Hun Sen Confirms Leak and Publishes Full Call
Adding fuel to the fire, Hun Sen admitted to sharing the audio recording with 80 Cambodian politicians, one of whom leaked it. He later released the entire 17-minute recording publicly on his Facebook page. This unprecedented move further enraged Thai citizens and embarrassed the Thai government on the international stage.
In an attempt at damage control, Paetongtarn defended the call as a “negotiation technique” and apologized for the leak. However, the apology has done little to quell demands for her resignation.
Border Dispute Sparks Bilateral Breakdown
The phone call was sparked by rising tensions along the disputed Thai-Cambodian border, which have escalated since a Cambodian soldier was killed in a May skirmish. In response, Cambodia has imposed trade restrictions, banning imports from Thailand including fruits, vegetables, electricity, and entertainment content such as popular Thai dramas.
The century-old border dispute dates back to colonial-era boundaries drawn during French occupation of Cambodia. The area remains a sensitive flashpoint for both governments, regularly triggering nationalist sentiments on both sides.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry Issues Diplomatic Rebuke
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong letter of protest to the Cambodian government, calling the leak a “serious breach of trust” that could undermine efforts to peacefully resolve the border crisis. “Trust and respect between leaders are fundamental to neighborly relations,” the statement emphasized.
Shaky Future for Thailand’s Youngest Prime Minister
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest and only the second woman ever to lead Thailand, took office last August following the constitutional court’s removal of her predecessor Srettha Thavisin. Her rapid political rise, bolstered by her powerful family name, now faces its toughest test as calls for her resignation grow louder.
While she insists she will not resign, political analysts say her future hinges on whether her remaining coalition partners stand firm or break ranks under mounting public pressure.
Conclusion: Another Chapter in Thailand’s Political Turmoil
Thailand has long been no stranger to political instability, and the leaked phone call scandal adds yet another chapter to the country’s complex political saga. With national pride, military influence, and powerful family dynasties colliding, the coming days will determine whether Paetongtarn Shinawatra can hold onto power or be forced to step down amid growing domestic unrest. [More Southeast Asia political updates]
