Video Thailand PM Paetongtarn and Reporter Clash Amid Border Tensions with Cambodia

[snoop1130]

Photo via Royal Thai Government

 

Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, faced significant scrutiny following a tense exchange with a journalist during a press interview on 4th June. The confrontation arose during discussions about the ongoing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, an issue that has flared anew after a recent military skirmish.

 

The military clash occurred on 28th May in the Chong Bok area of Ubon Ratchathani, a region noted for its strategic significance as well as its popularity as a tourist destination known as the Emerald Triangle. This conflict zone lies at the tri-border junction of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. The skirmish began at around 5:30 am and concluded roughly 25 minutes later. Although the altercation ceased without Thai military casualties, according to a statement on the former Cambodian PM Samdech Hun Sen's Facebook page, one Cambodian soldier was killed.

 

This incident is part of a historical pattern of tension in the region. Between 1985 and 1987, the area experienced several military engagements resulting in significant Thai casualties, with 106 soldiers killed and 664 injured. The border dispute between the nations, while longstanding, remains unresolved and periodically results in military friction.

 

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn addressed the media about the recent incident, asserting the Thai government's comprehensive measures to uphold national sovereignty and appealing for public solidarity in backing the armed forces. "Thailand will not relinquish its territory," she declared, reinforcing her stance with a reference to the Thai national anthem: “Thais are peace-loving, but at war we’re no cowards.” She also addressed her family’s close ties to Cambodian leadership, saying, "It’s not bad having friends, but if friends clash and demand to share a part of your home, no one would agree to that—even if we are friends.”

 

The dialogue took a confrontational turn when a journalist questioned the PM about comments allegedly made by the Commander of the 2nd Army, which suggested that Cambodian troops had encroached 200 metres into Thai territory. Displaying visible irritation, Paetongtarn questioned the journalist's firsthand experience of the scene, proposing that they accompany Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai to verify the situation themselves, although the journalist mentioned they were not permitted to do so. This led to a further exchange where Paetongtarn inquired if the journalist felt discontented, while she denied feeling angry herself but suggested the journalist was being overly aggressive.

 

The PM's handling of the interaction quickly drew public criticism, with social media users accusing her of exhibiting visible anger and questioning her professionalism. Rukchanok Srinork, an MP from the People’s Party, condemned her public demeanor as immature. "Paetongtarn’s behaviour in public today is beyond repair," he remarked.

 

 

Conversely, the Prime Minister found defenders who argued that sensitive issues impacting international relationships require more judicious journalism. They reasoned that the journalist's probing questions might have been inappropriately timed, potentially exacerbating diplomatic tensions.

 

The episode highlights the delicate nature of navigating international disputes and the role of media in these contexts. As Thailand's government maneuvers through this diplomatic challenge, Prime Minister Paetongtarn's approach to both international relations and media interactions will likely remain under close scrutiny. The incident serves as a reminder of the broader geopolitical stakes involved in the Thai-Cambodian relationship and the ongoing quest for peace and stability in the region.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-05

 

 

[ronnie50]

Maybe her advisors suggested she show a tougher side quickly, as she's being ridiculed as a puppet of her father, and so this was an opportunity to do so? 

[jvs]

Looks like Thailand is showing to get ready for a clash?

Better resolve this peace fully,who needs this?

Cambodia claims over 50 000 missiles have been fired at them already in the past few weeks?

I just saw an article where Anutin presented some tough talk.

Thailand does not need a conflict with any country!

Let's all smoke some weed and go for pizza or TACO's instead?

[Pouatchee]

Anyone else notice her lgbtq1aXXX heart pin?

 

Trying to please everyone it seems. I wonder how daddy feels about that one