Thailand’s political scene is shaking. A leaked private phone call between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen has sparked outrage, coalition collapse, and calls for her impeachment—raising the question: will she survive this storm?
What’s in the Leaked Call?
Let’s break it down. On June 15, 2025, PM Paetongtarn had a 17-minute chat with Hun Sen, mediated by interpreter Khleang Huot, focused on easing a May 28 border clash . But when Cambodia’s Senate President released the leaked nine‑minute clip on June 18, alarm bells rang .
Key moments from the call include:
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Paetongtarn addressing Hun Sen as “uncle,” reflecting a personal touch that critics say blurred diplomatic lines.
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She criticized Thailand’s 2nd Army commander, calling him an “opponent,” which Thai nationalists see as undermining the military.
Needless to say, the call didn’t stay private for long.
Coalition Shocks and Political Fallout
Here’s what unravelled fast:
🚪 Coalition partners exit
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Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest in government, pulled out, complaining the PM compromised sovereignty .
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United Thai Nation (UTN) began demanding her resignation or risk losing their support .
That collapse slashed her parliamentary support from a slim majority to a shaky minority—leaving her government wobbling.
🏛️ Senate petitions removal
The Senate Speaker and 35 other senators filed petitions to the Constitutional Court and NACC, citing constitutional and ethical violations, and labeled her behavior as threatening national security.
Impact Snapshot: What’s at Stake
| Issue Area | Immediate Effect | Possible Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| National Unity | Military commander criticized = fierce backlash from the powerful army & royals | Diplomatic tour to smooth tensions |
| Government Stability | Major party exits, coalition shrinks to minority level | More defections or even a confidence vote |
| Legal & Judicial | Constitutional Court review underway, NACC investigating | PM suspended pending verdict |
| Public Reaction | Protests called by multiple activist groups, job union sentiment | Mass rally planned for June 28 |
| Diplomatic Ties | Thailand summoned Cambodian ambassador over leak | Border tensions intensified |
Who’s Saying What?
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Paetongtarn admitted the call was real, apologized, and defended it as damage‑control diplomacy.
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She insisted she didn’t intend to weaken the military, later travelling to Ubon Ratchathani to meet the 2nd Army commander to show unity.
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Tourism minister and senior ally Sorawong Thienthong affirmed that the PM has no intention to quit or call snap elections .
Will She Survive the Storm?
Let’s read the tea leaves:
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Constitutional Court’s ruling is the immediate flashpoint. A suspension could drop her quickly .
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Coalition cracks—if UTN MPs jump ship, the government might collapse before July 3 session resumes.
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Military and royalist pressure: Thailand has seen 13 coups since 1932; any hint of anti-military sentiment is treated seriously.
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Public protests set: major rally planned June 28 demanding her departure.
Why It Matters Beyond Politics
You might wonder: Who cares? Here’s the bigger picture:
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Market confidence is tanking. Thai stocks recently hit a five‑year low putting investors on edge .
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Economic and diplomatic ripple: Tensions with Cambodia, coupled with political turmoil, could hurt trade and tourism.
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Precedent warning: Another PM ousted this way would echo past coups and threaten democratic norms.
What Could Come Next?
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Constitutional Court decision (July?): A suspension order or dismissal could occur soon.
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Snap elections or new PM?: If parliament dissolves, elections might be called—or Pheu Thai might nominate a successor like Chaikasem Nitisiri.
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Military alert: With the army on edge, there’s always the specter of a coup, though comparisons to 2006 or 2014 are premature.
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Diplomatic de-escalation: Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has lodged a protest with Cambodia’s ambassador . A settlement could ease regional tension.
Conclusion
This scandal isn’t just a political earthquake—it’s a test of Thailand’s democracy. A leaked conversation led to coalition collapse, Senate petitions, protests, and even fears of military intervention. If the judiciary backs her, she could limp on. If not, her government may unravel—threatening fresh elections, economic uncertainty, and making her family’s political legacy hang in the balance.