Thai PM Faces Calls To Resign After Leaked Call Sparks Political Turmoil

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is under intense pressure to resign after a leaked phone call between her and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen triggered a wave of public outrage and political fallout, pushing her coalition government to the brink of collapse, BBC reported.

The leaked audio, reportedly concerning a simmering border dispute, features Paetongtarn referring to Hun Sen — a longtime family friend — as “uncle” and appearing to criticize a Thai military commander. The informal tone and perceived deference to the Cambodian leader have drawn harsh criticism from the public and political opponents alike.

"I would like to apologise for the leaked audio of my conversation with a Cambodian leader which has caused public resentment," Paetongtarn said Thursday, as backlash mounted.

The political repercussions were swift. As per BBC, the Bhumjaithai Party — the second-largest member of the ruling coalition — withdrew its support, significantly weakening Paetongtarn’s Peu Thai Party in parliament. With her coalition now holding only a fragile majority, further defections could trigger the collapse of her government. Two other coalition partners are expected to meet later Thursday to reassess their position.

Critics have zeroed in on Paetongtarn’s remarks during the call, particularly her apparent dismissal of a Thai military commander involved in managing recent tensions along the Cambodian border. “He just wanted to look cool and said things that are not useful,” she reportedly said.

The comments were seen as undermining Thailand’s powerful military establishment and showing undue familiarity with a foreign leader. Paetongtarn defended the call as part of a “negotiation technique,” but opposition leaders have labeled it inappropriate and demanded her resignation.

The Shinawatra and Hun families share a long-standing political relationship. Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and Hun Sen refer to each other as “godbrothers.” This close personal tie has raised concerns among critics over potential conflicts of interest in cross-border affairs.

Hun Sen, who confirmed the call’s authenticity, claimed he had privately shared the recording with about 80 politicians — one of whom leaked it. He later published the full 17-minute audio on his official Facebook page, further fueling public scrutiny.

Paetongtarn, who became prime minister just 10 months ago following the removal of her predecessor by the Constitutional Court, is Thailand’s youngest-ever leader and only the second woman to hold the post — the first being her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra. Her father, Thaksin, returned from 15 years in exile last year, adding to the high-profile nature of her administration.

With her leadership now under serious threat, all eyes are on her remaining coalition allies and the next moves from Thailand’s increasingly vocal opposition.