Bangkok, Thailand-
On June 19th, 2025, Thailand’s Prime Minister, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, publicly addressed a diplomatic controversy sparked by the leak of a private conversation between herself and Cambodia’s Senate President and former Prime Minister, Samdech Hun Sen. The leaked audio has ignited heated debates in Thailand, raising questions about diplomatic protocol, national sovereignty, and domestic unity.
During a press conference at Government House, Paetongtarn issued an apology to the Thai people, expressed profound disappointment over the breach of trust, and called for national unity to safeguard Thailand’s sovereignty amid escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.
The controversy began when a 17-minute audio recording, later confirmed to be authentic, was released by Hun Sen through a Cambodian official’s Facebook account. The conversation, conducted via telephone on June 15, 2025, addressed ongoing tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border, particularly issues surrounding the opening and closing of border checkpoints. The audio featured Paetongtarn engaging in a candid discussion with Hun Sen, mediated by an interpreter, Mr. Kliang Huot.
Key points in the conversation included discussions on de-escalating border tensions, with Hun Sen urging Thailand to reopen border checkpoints, claiming that Thailand initiated their closure. Paetongtarn responded diplomatically, suggesting a simultaneous reopening to symbolize peace and showing her intent to avoid conflict. However, a particularly contentious remark in the audio drew attention in Thailand: Paetongtarn’s reference to the Commander of Thailand’s Second Army Region, Lieutenant General Bunsin Phatklang, as not being “one of us” during negotiations. This statement was perceived by some as implying a disconnect between the government and the military, fueling public outrage and accusations of undermining national security.
Hun Sen later admitted to recording and distributing the audio to approximately 80 high-ranking Cambodian officials, citing it as standard practice to ensure transparency and avoid misinterpretation. He further stated that he shared the recording with his son, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and threatened to release the full version if Thailand continued to accuse him of unprofessional conduct. This admission intensified the diplomatic fallout, with many in Thailand viewing the recording as a breach of trust and a deliberate attempt to manipulate public sentiment in Cambodia.
On June 18, 2025, Paetongtarn held an initial press conference to confirm the authenticity of the audio and clarify her remarks. She described her comments about the Second Army Commander as a “diplomatic technique” aimed at calming Hun Sen’s anger over the commander’s public statements, which had criticized Cambodian actions at the border. She said that her goal was to maintain peace and prevent further escalation, noting that the conversation was private and not intended for public disclosure.
The following day, June 19, 2025, Paetongtarn convened a second press conference at 12:15 p.m. in the Ivory Room of Government House, flanked by key figures including Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Deputy Defense Minister General Natthaphon Nakphanich, Supreme Commander General Songwit Noonphakdi, and Army Commander General Phana Klaewplodthuk.
In her emotional address, Paetongtarn, with a trembling voice and tears welling in her eyes, apologized to the Thai people for the unease caused by the leaked audio. “I sincerely apologize to the public for the discomfort this incident has caused. I was unaware that the conversation was being recorded, as it was conducted via my personal mobile phone. This should not have happened, and I assure you I will be more cautious in future discussions,” she said.
She clarified that her remarks about the military were part of a negotiation strategy to de-escalate tensions by understanding Hun Sen’s perspective, not an indication of discord with the Thai armed forces. “I have spoken with the Second Army Commander and the military leadership. We share the same commitment to protecting Thailand’s sovereignty. My intention was to negotiate a peaceful resolution and avoid bloodshed,” she explained.
Paetongtarn revealed that the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs had summoned Cambodia’s Ambassador to Thailand to deliver a formal letter of protest, expressing “profound disappointment” over Hun Sen’s actions. She condemned the unauthorized recording as a violation of diplomatic norms, stating, “No leader of any country records private conversations without prior consent. This is unacceptable on the global stage”.
Despite the breach, Paetongtarn reiterated Thailand’s commitment to resolving border disputes through peaceful, bilateral negotiations. She noted that the Joint Border Committee (JBC) and Regional Border Committee (RBC) were actively engaged in discussions to address the situation, refuting claims that Cambodia had refused to participate. The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to protect Thai citizens living in Cambodia and those along the border.
A central theme of Paetongtarn’s address was the need for national unity in the face of external challenges. She stressed that the leaked audio was a diplomatic misstep and a “threat to national security” that required a collective response. “This is not the time for internal conflict. The government and the military are united in our resolve to protect Thailand’s sovereignty. I urge the Thai people to stand with us as one,” she declared.
Paetongtarn’s call for unity came amid growing domestic pressure, with opposition leaders and some political figures demanding her resignation or the dissolution of parliament. For instance, opposition leader Nathaphong Ruangpanyawut called for Paetongtarn to “take political responsibility” by dissolving the House of Representatives, arguing that the incident had eroded her legitimacy.
The leaked audio dominated Thai social media, with the hashtag #นายกฯอิ๊งค์ (Prime Minister Ing) trending at number one on X on June 19, 2025. Public sentiment was polarized: some criticized Paetongtarn’s handling of the situation as naive, while others supported her diplomatic approach and apology. The audio’s reference to the military sparked particular concern, with some interpreting it as evidence of a rift between the government and the armed forces.
Analysts, such as Associate Professor Dr. Panithan Watanayakorn, described the incident as a big diplomatic blunder that could destabilize Thailand’s political landscape.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of longstanding tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, particularly over border disputes near the Preah Vihear Temple and other contested areas. Recent clashes and the closure of border checkpoints have disrupted trade and cross-border movement, affecting thousands of Thai and Cambodian workers. The leaked audio has further strained relations, with Cambodian citizens reportedly rallying in support of their government and military, while Thai workers in Cambodia face job losses due to tightened border controls.
Paetongtarn’s government, led by the Pheu Thai Party, has prioritized economic recovery and regional stability since assuming power. However, her relative inexperience—she is Thailand’s youngest prime minister at 38—has been a point of contention, with critics arguing that the audio leak exposes her vulnerability in high-stakes diplomacy. Supporters, however, view her willingness to engage directly with Hun Sen as a bold attempt to foster peace, despite the personal and political risks.
The leaked audio has placed Paetongtarn’s leadership under intense scrutiny, testing her ability to navigate domestic and international challenges. Her apology and proactive diplomatic response aim to mitigate the damage, but the incident has broader implications for Thailand’s foreign policy and internal cohesion. The government’s commitment to supporting the military “in every way” signals an effort to close ranks, while the focus on bilateral negotiations suggests a pragmatic approach to resolving the border crisis.
For now, Paetongtarn faces a delicate balancing act: restoring public trust, managing coalition dynamics, and countering Cambodia’s diplomatic offensive without escalating tensions.
Photo credit Thai national news bureau
