Allegations of National Security Breach
On June 22, 2025, approximately 40 residents of Phitsanulok filed a formal complaint at Mueang Phitsanulok police station, accusing Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of compromising national security. The complaint stems from a leaked June 15, 2025, phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, which has fueled public outrage and calls for accountability amid Thailand’s escalating border tensions.
Leaked Call Sparks Outrage
Criminal Code Violations Cited
Led by former Naresuan University lecturer Jak Punchoopet, the group claims Paetongtarn’s conversation violated Criminal Code Sections 119, 120, 122, 128, and 129, which address threats to Thailand from foreign states and conspiracy against national interests. These charges carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty, highlighting the gravity of the accusations against the prime minister.
Protest Planned for Wednesday
Rally to Support Military
The Phitsanulok group announced a protest on June 25, 2025, at a public park opposite the Phitsanulok post office to express solidarity with the Thai military and demand Paetongtarn’s resignation. The planned demonstration reflects growing public discontent, as nationalist sentiments surge following the leaked call, which critics argue undermined Thailand’s stance in the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border dispute.
Police Begin Investigation
Complaint Forwarded for Review
Mueang Phitsanulok police chief Pol Col Watcharapong Sitthirungroj confirmed the complaint was received and will be investigated, with findings to be sent to relevant authorities for further action. The police are collecting evidence related to the leaked call, which has intensified scrutiny of Paetongtarn’s leadership, especially after the Bhumjaithai Party’s exit left her coalition with a slim majority.
Border Dispute Fuels Tensions
Cambodia’s Role in Controversy
The leaked call, in which Paetongtarn appeared to criticize Thai military actions, comes amid a year-long border dispute with Cambodia, worsened by a May 28, 2025, clash in Chong Bok that killed a Cambodian soldier. Cambodia’s push for International Court of Justice intervention, rejected by Thailand, has escalated diplomatic strains, with the call’s release by Hun Sen further inflaming nationalist protests across Thailand.
Political Crisis Deepens
Paetongtarn’s Leadership at Risk
The Phitsanulok complaint is part of a broader wave of unrest, with protests planned in Bangkok and other regions, threatening Paetongtarn’s government. The loss of coalition support and public trust, coupled with economic concerns like a 23% SET Index drop in 2025, places her in a precarious position. The group’s national anthem rendition after filing the complaint underscores their patriotic fervor, amplifying pressure for accountability.
Calls for National Unity
Restoring Trust Amid Crisis
The Phitsanulok group’s actions reflect a broader demand for leadership that prioritizes Thailand’s sovereignty. As Paetongtarn faces potential legal and political consequences, analysts urge dialogue to de-escalate tensions and rebuild trust. The upcoming rally and ongoing investigations will test Thailand’s democratic resilience, with the nation watching whether Paetongtarn can navigate this crisis or face resignation demands.
