Politics Leaked Call Stirs Tensions Between Thai and Cambodian Leaders

[snoop1130]

Photo via Matichon

 

A leaked phone conversation between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian President Hun Sen has surfaced online, revealing alleged tensions over military comments and diplomatic relations.

 

The recording, circulated on Thai social media, features voices believed to be Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, along with an interpreter. In the clip, the voice purported to be Paetongtarn appeals to Hun Sen for peace and requests that he ignore inflammatory remarks from a Thai military commander.

 

“I want uncle to overlook what was said by the second army commander. It wasn't representative of the Thai government’s stance, as we seek peace,” the voice states.

 

Hun Sen confirmed the call on Facebook, revealing that Khliang Huot acted as interpreter. He noted that the leaked segment was part of a longer 17-minute discussion and mentioned that the Thai PM had previously criticised Cambodia’s conduct publicly.

 

 

Hun Sen admitted to sharing the full recording with Cambodian officials and expressed willingness to release it entirely if requested by Thailand.

 

In response, PM Paetongtarn held an urgent press conference, acknowledging the authenticity of the recording. She clarified that her comments were intended to de-escalate tensions after the military commander’s remarks had upset Hun Sen.

 

Using familial terms like “uncle” was a reflection of her informal diplomatic approach in private talks, she explained. However, she critiqued Hun Sen for using the leak to gain public favour, questioning his sincerity about bilateral peace.

 

Paetongtarn addressed misunderstandings regarding her administration’s stance on the Thai military, asserting her aim was to calm situations, not oppose military leaders. Concluding, she stated she would cease private discussions with Hun Sen, ending with a commitment to safeguard national interests.

 

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-18

 

 

[ukrules]

Only Thaksin himself can sort this mess out, what's the odds he leaves the country for Cambodia in the next couple of weeks on an emergency mission to save the day?

[bannork]

4 minutes ago, ukrules said:

Only Thaksin himself can sort this mess out, what's the odds he leaves the country for Cambodia in the next couple of weeks on an emergency mission to save the day?

And continues his journey to his home from home, Dubai.

[kinyara]

3 minutes ago, ukrules said:

Only Thaksin himself can sort this mess out, what's the odds he leaves the country for Cambodia in the next couple of weeks on an emergency mission to save the day?

 

Don't forget he's got to get permission to leave the country due to an outstanding case against him, and his last recent attempt to go overseas was refused 

[ukrules]

17 minutes ago, kinyara said:

 

Don't forget he's got to get permission to leave the country due to an outstanding case against him, and his last recent attempt to go overseas was refused 

 

Exactly, urgent government business you see.

 

Where there's a will, there's a way.

[richard_smith237]

27 minutes ago, ukrules said:

Only Thaksin himself can sort this mess out, what's the odds he leaves the country for Cambodia in the next couple of weeks on an emergency mission to save the day?

He’ll leave ‘quietly’ in the noise before a certain court hearing…

Meanwhile the Military are perfectly posed to hold a Coup in no confidence of the current PM.

 

Who then gets the concessions for those Casinos on the boarder town ??

 

 

Oversimplified perhaps - but that’s how this seems to be being played out….

 

 

[ronnie50]

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

Meanwhile the Military are perfectly posed to hold a Coup in no confidence of the current PM.

I think her conversation is very telling, because it almost confirms what I've been hinting at - that the government wasn't calling the shots nor authorized the exchange of gunfire. That raises big suspicions that this is a manufactured border crisis by hidden hands to make the government look bad - maybe with a coup very much the pre-intended outcome (soon?). Pretty shocking that she would hint at such with Hun Sen though! Hard to image the people who run this country for themselves (hidden hands) would allow her to disolve parliament and call an election - they are afraid  a Move Forward style party could sweep the board this time - they are very afraid of that. So they won't let it happen

[bannork]

7 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

I think her conversation is very telling, because it almost confirms what I've been hinting at - that the government wasn't calling the shots nor authorized the exchange of gunfire. That raises big suspicions that this is a manufactured border crisis by hidden hands to make the government look bad - maybe with a coup very much the pre-intended outcome (soon?). Pretty shocking that she would hint at such with Hun Sen though! Hard to image the people who run this country for themselves (hidden hands) would allow her to disolve parliament and call an election - they are afraid  a Move Forward style party could sweep the board this time - they are very afraid of that. So they won't let it happen

Sadly I don't think the People's Party will sweep the board, at least not with the older generation. 

The recent calls for patriotism will surely benefit Bhumjaithai, who could gain more seats in the next election.

[redwood1]

 Hun Sen might as well be running Thailand too....The clueless Mrs Muffet seem to have been busy doing a little Hun Sen a$$ kissing....

[renaissanc]

I understand Paetongtan's good intentions. However, the only way to deal with a dictator is through a position of strength. You can't be nice to them as they see this as a weakness to take advantage of.

[MikeandDow]

If this is an example of her negotiation skills on the World stage  "God help Thailand "