Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing calls to quit after a leaked phone call between her and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen was made public. The conversation revealed the prime minister addressing Hun Sen as “uncle” and downplaying the views of a Thai military commander handling border tensions.
The leak has caused public anger, prompting a key coalition partner, Bhumjaithai, to quit the alliance. With her coalition’s slim majority under threat, Paetongtarn is under increasing pressure to resign. Critics have accused her of undermining the country’s influential army and showing deference to Hun Sen, who is considered a “godbrother” by Paetongtarn’s father.
The dispute between Thailand and Cambodia dates back over 100 years, with tensions escalating in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a clash. The leak has sparked concerns about the ongoing efforts to resolve the issue in good faith. Thailand’s foreign ministry has expressed “deeply disappointed” over the leak, saying it will severely affect bilateral relations.
As Paetongtarn struggles to maintain her coalition’s grip on power, she is facing mounting pressure from opposition figures and critics who are calling for her resignation amidst the ongoing border tensions with Cambodia.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70rwjl99rzo