Thailand is reeling from a major government crisis amid fallout from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The leak has caused widespread public anger, and a coalition partner has quit the government over the controversy.
The conversation, which was recorded by Hun Sen, revealed that he had discussed a border dispute between the two countries with Paetongtarn, who called for a peaceful resolution. However, the leaked audio sparked outrage when it emerged that Paetongtarn referred to an outspoken Thai army general as “just wants to look cool.”
The Bhumjaithai party, a major partner of Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai party, pulled out of the coalition on Wednesday, citing the government’s conduct as having wounded the country and the army. The loss of the party’s 69 MPs leaves Paetongtarn’s coalition with a slim majority in parliament.
The opposition People’s Party has called for new elections, saying that Paetongtarn’s government has lost public trust due to its handling of the crisis. Hundreds of antigovernment protesters demonstrated outside Government House on Thursday, demanding Paetongtarn quit.
The military has affirmed its commitment to democracy and national sovereignty, with army chief General Pana Claewplodtook emphasizing the need for unity in defending the country’s interests. Cambodia and Thailand have a long history of border disputes, and tensions flared again after the two countries exchanged fire in May.
As the crisis deepens, Paetongtarn has faced growing calls to resign, and her government is now on thin ice. The future of Thai politics remains uncertain, with new elections possible just over two years away.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/19/thai-government-in-crisis-amid-fallout-from-pms-leaked-phone-call