Global (Commonwealth Union) _ Thailand’s political scene is experiencing major disruptions in the aftermath of the leakage of a conversation that took place between the Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and the President of the Cambodian Senate, Hun Sen.
The leaked call has significantly contributed to intensifying tensions regarding the Thailand-Cambodia border while also triggering a coalition crisis. The conversation was initially leaked as a 9.5-minute clip, followed by an extended 17-minute recording where the Prime Minister spoke unreservedly with Hun Sen regarding topics including political pressure, cross-border tension, and military commanders. Shinawatra is heard to express frustration over the Second Army Region Commander and addresses the Cambodian politician as “uncle”.
Opposition groups reportedly considered the conversation a breach in protocol despite Shinawatra clarifying that it was a diplomatic negotiation.
The audio leak has also added to the tensions going on close to the Emerald Triangle, an area that marks the convergence of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia that has long been engaged in dispute. The escalation of the conflict was triggered by a March 28 clash that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Cambodia has urged Thailand to seek a resolution through the International Court of Justice following the incident. However, Bangkok has not yet recognized its jurisdiction.
The internal fallout was quick, with the second- largest faction, the Bhumjaithai, withdrawing from the coalition on June 18, citing damage to the dignity of the country and its army. The move also comes after Shinawatra’s party, Pheu Thai, attempted to remove the Bhumjaithai leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, from his post as Interior Minister.
Figures from the military have also spoken up on the matter, with Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang stating that he had been called by Shinawatra, who proceeded to explain the leaked call. Lieutenant General Boonsin clarified that the context behind the remarks was understandable.
Additionally, increased calls for the prime minister to dissolve the parliament have added to the regional instability in the midst of ongoing rumors about a cabinet reshuffle.
With diplomatic ties being strained amid Cambodia’s ban on Thai media and exports parallel to Thailand’s border control, the prime minister has stated that “no more private conversations” will be taking place with Hun Sen.
