Thai PM Faces Resignation Calls After Leaked Call Fallout
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is under immense political pressure after a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen ignited a wave of criticism, fractured her coalition, and triggered demands for her resignation. The fallout has plunged the government into a political crisis, raising concerns over stability in Bangkok and beyond.
The controversial call, which took place on June 15, revolved around escalating border tensions between Thai and Cambodian forces. A Cambodian soldier was reportedly killed during a skirmish, prompting direct engagement between the two leaders. In the leaked audio, Paetongtarn is heard urging Hun Sen not to heed military voices in Bangkok, referring to a senior Thai general as “an opponent.” The comment has been viewed by critics as an attempt to sideline the military and centralize diplomatic control within the Prime Minister’s office.
coalition crisis
The leak had an immediate and destabilizing impact. The Bhumjaithai Party, which held 69 seats and formed the backbone of the ruling coalition, withdrew its support within hours of the leak surfacing. The party accused Paetongtarn of jeopardizing national unity and undermining Thailand’s armed forces. This exit has left her government dangerously close to losing its majority in parliament, with other coalition partners reportedly considering similar moves.
political backlash
In a nationally televised statement, Paetongtarn expressed regret over the remarks, reaffirmed her support for the military, and called for unity. However, opposition leaders remain unconvinced, branding her apology as damage control rather than accountability. They have begun mobilizing for snap elections, arguing the government has lost its mandate to govern.
rising tensions and uncertainty
The controversy has also reignited fears of military intervention, a recurring feature in Thai politics. Given the military’s history of toppling elected governments—most notably her own father and aunt—the possibility of institutional retaliation looms large. Senior commanders have remained officially neutral, but insiders suggest growing unease over the Prime Minister’s conduct.
On the diplomatic front, tensions with Cambodia have escalated. Thailand has formally objected to the release of the recording, calling it a breach of diplomatic protocol and a strain on bilateral relations. The timing of the call, combined with the political instability it unleashed, has sparked concerns across Southeast Asia.
Paetongtarn now faces the most precarious moment of her tenure. With allies deserting her, the military watching closely, and regional diplomacy in flux, her leadership hangs in the balance. Calls for her resignation are growing louder, and unless she can pull together a stabilizing coalition, Thailand may soon find itself heading toward fresh elections—or deeper uncertainty.
