Audio Clip Sparks Diplomatic Row
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faced intense scrutiny on June 18, 2025, after a leaked nine-minute phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen surfaced, exposing sensitive discussions about a border dispute. Speaking at Government House, Paetongtarn confirmed her voice in the clip, recorded on June 15, 2025, and accused Hun Sen of breaching trust by allowing the leak, vowing to end personal conversations with him.
Details of the Leaked Conversation
Border Tensions Take Center Stage
The audio, featuring Paetongtarn and Hun Sen speaking via interpreters in Thai and Khmer, began with cordial exchanges before delving into the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, worsened by a May 28, 2025, clash in Chong Bok. Paetongtarn referred to Second Army Region commander Lt Gen Boonsin Paadklang as an “opponent,” urging Hun Sen not to heed his remarks about Thailand’s readiness to fight, which she deemed unhelpful to peace efforts.
Paetongtarn’s Diplomatic Approach
Soft Diplomacy Backfires
Paetongtarn defended her use of “soft words,” calling Hun Sen “uncle” to foster calm during the private call. She aimed to reassure him of Thailand’s peaceful intentions, apologizing for leaked plans to cut water and electricity to Cambodia if tensions escalated. She proposed a joint peace statement and sought Hun Sen’s advice, citing domestic criticism of her handling of the dispute, but the call’s exposure undermined her off-the-record strategy.
Hun Sen’s Role in the Leak
Cambodian Leader Denies Responsibility
Hun Sen admitted recording the 17-minute call to avoid misunderstandings, sharing it with approximately 80 Cambodian officials, but denied leaking the excerpt. He offered to provide Thai authorities with the full audio, per a Khmer Times report. In the clip, he pressed for restoring normal border hours, disrupted by Thai restrictions post-clash, while Paetongtarn agreed to synchronize reopenings, though Hun Sen later issued a 24-hour ultimatum, surprising her.
Clarifications and Military Support
Paetongtarn Backs Thai Forces
Paetongtarn clarified she did not label Lt Gen Boonsin an opponent, instead referring to Thailand and Cambodia as perceived adversaries in the dispute. She confirmed discussing the issue with Boonsin, who accepted her explanation
