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Nikkei Asia
an hour ago
- Politics
- Nikkei Asia
Paetongtarn stays as PM as partners jockey for ministerial posts
BANGKOK -- The withdrawal of a key partner from Thailand's ruling coalition has opened the way for smaller parties to demand more influence, analysts say, as Paetongtarn Shinawatra stays in the prime minister's post, and with her coalition now holding a slim House majority. The current coalition now comprises 11 parties, led by Paetongtarn's Pheu Thai Party. After the Bhumjaithai Party's exit announcement on Wednesday over a leaked audio clip of a conversation between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, other parties called urgent meetings to discuss whether to remain loyal to the Thai prime minister.
Japan Today
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Japan Today
Thai PM's leaked phone call with Cambodia's Hun Sen sparks outrage and political turmoil
By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faced growing calls for her resignation in a deepening political crisis set off by a leaked recording of her negotiating with Cambodia's former leader in the two nations' latest border dispute. Paetongtarn apologized to the public on Thursday, after a major coalition partner used the leaked phone call to pull out of the fragile government led by her Pheu Thai Party. Paetongtarn has already been criticized for a perceived soft stance toward Cambodia, especially by right-wing nationalists who are longtime foes of her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The latest border dispute involved an armed confrontation May 28 in a relatively small no-man'- land both countries claim in which one Cambodian soldier was killed. Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen posted the full, 17-minute phone call on his Facebook page after a shorter version was leaked Wednesday. He said he recorded the conversation 'to avoid any misunderstanding or misrepresentation in official matters,' adding that he shared the recording with at least 80 people. In the recording, Paetongtarn was heard calling Hun Sen 'uncle' as they discussed through translators whether they should lift border restrictions imposed after the deadly clash. Backlash revolved around her calling a Thai army commander in charge of the border area where the clash happened as 'an opponent.' Critics said she was trying to please Hun Sen too much and made Thailand look weak. Paetongtarn said her comments were a negotiation tactic and that her goal was to bring peace between the countries. However, she said she would no longer engage in a private talk with Hun Sen as she could not trust him. 'It's now clear that all that he cares about is his popularity in the country, without considering impacts on relations with other countries,' she said. Thailand's Foreign Affairs Ministry said it submitted a protest letter over the leaked recording with the Cambodian ambassador, saying that Cambodia's actions were unacceptable and 'a breach of diplomatic etiquette, a serious violation of trust, and undermines conduct between two neighboring countries.' Paetongtarn has described the two families as having close, longtime relationships. Her father Thaksin and Hun Sen reportedly regard each other as 'godbrothers.' In 2009, Hun Sen appointed Thaksin as a Cambodian government adviser, but Thaksin soon resigned the position. Hours after the leak, the Bhumjaithai party, the biggest partner in Paetongtarn's ruling coalition, said it would quit because of the leaked phone call. The party's statement said the recording 'posed an impact on Thailand's sovereignty, territory, interests and the army.' The party called for Paetongtarn to take responsibility for the damage, although they did not say how. There has already been a rift between Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai over reports that the former would be shuffled out of the powerful Interior Ministry. Several Bhumjaithai leaders are also under investigation over the alleged rigging of the Senate election in which many figures who are reportedly close to the party claimed a majority of seats. The departure of Bhumjaithai left the 10-party coalition with 255 seats, just above the majority of the 500-seat house. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People's Party on Thursday called for Paetongtarn to dissolve Parliament and hold a new election. He said the leaked phone call was 'the last straw' that destroyed people's faith in her administration. Dozens of nationalists protesters gathered near the Government House on Thursday, holding Thai national flags and signs calling for Paetongtarn to resign. Some senators said they will file a motion to impeach her, and several other individuals also filed complaints over the matter to law enforcement agencies. People have also expressed concern that Paetongtarn's comment towards the local army commander could potentially lead to a military coup. Her father, Thaksin, was ousted in a coup in 2006, and Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, became prime minister in 2011 and was also toppled by the military in 2014. The military said in a statement Thursday that it would like the people to 'maintain confidence in the Royal Thai Army's steadfast commitment to constitutional monarchy and its readiness to execute its constitutional mandate of protecting national sovereignty through established legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms." © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Los Angeles Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Thai prime minister's leaked phone call with Cambodia's Hun Sen sparks outrage and political turmoil
BANGKOK — Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faced growing calls for her resignation in a deepening political crisis set off by a leaked recording of her negotiating with Cambodia's former leader in the two nations' latest border dispute. Paetongtarn apologized to the public on Thursday, after a major coalition partner used the leaked phone call to pull out of the fragile government led by her Pheu Thai Party. Paetongtarn has already been criticized for a perceived soft stance toward Cambodia, especially by right-wing nationalists who are longtime foes of her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The latest border dispute involved an armed confrontation May 28 in a relatively small contested territory in which one Cambodian soldier was killed. Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen posted the full, 17-minute phone call on his Facebook page after a shorter version was leaked Wednesday. He said he recorded the conversation 'to avoid any misunderstanding or misrepresentation in official matters,' adding that he shared the recording with at least 80 people. In the recording, Paetongtarn was heard calling Hun Sen 'uncle' as they discussed through translators whether they should lift border restrictions imposed after the deadly clash. Backlash revolved around her calling a Thai army commander in charge of the border area where the clash happened as 'an opponent.' Critics said she was trying to please Hun Sen too much and made Thailand look weak. Paetongtarn said her comments were a negotiation tactic and that her goal was to bring peace between the countries. However, she said she would no longer engage in a private talk with Hun Sen as she could not trust him. 'It's now clear that all that he cares about is his popularity in the country, without considering impacts on relations with other countries,' she said. Thailand's Foreign Affairs Ministry said it submitted a protest letter over the leaked recording with the Cambodian ambassador, saying that Cambodia's actions were unacceptable and 'a breach of diplomatic etiquette, a serious violation of trust, and undermines conduct between two neighboring countries.' Paetongtarn has described the two families as having close, longtime relationships. Her father Thaksin and Hun Sen reportedly regard each other as 'godbrothers.' In 2009, Hun Sen appointed Thaksin as a Cambodian government adviser, but Thaksin soon resigned the position. Hours after the leak, the Bhumjaithai party, the biggest partner in Paetongtarn's ruling coalition, said it would quit because of the leaked phone call. The party's statement said the recording 'posed an impact on Thailand's sovereignty, territory, interests and the army.' The party called for Paetongtarn to take responsibility for the damage, although they did not say how. There has already been a rift between Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai over reports that the former would be shuffled out of the powerful Interior Ministry. Several Bhumjaithai leaders are also under investigation over the alleged rigging of the Senate election in which many figures who are reportedly close to the party claimed a majority of seats. The departure of Bhumjaithai left the 10-party coalition with 255 seats, just above the majority of the 500-seat house. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People's Party on Thursday called for Paetongtarn to dissolve Parliament and hold a new election. He said the leaked phone call was 'the last straw' that destroyed people's faith in her administration. Dozens of nationalists protesters gathered near the Government House on Thursday, holding Thai national flags and signs calling for Paetongtarn to resign. Some senators said they will file a motion to impeach her, and several other individuals also filed complaints over the matter to law enforcement agencies. People have also expressed concern that Paetongtarn's comment towards the local army commander could potentially lead to a military coup. Her father, Thaksin, was ousted in a coup in 2006, and Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, became prime minister in 2011 and was also toppled by the military in 2014. The military said in a statement Thursday that it would like the people to 'maintain confidence in the Royal Thai Army's steadfast commitment to constitutional monarchy and its readiness to execute its constitutional mandate of protecting national sovereignty through established legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms.' Saksornchai writes for the Associated Press.
Toronto Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Thai PM's leaked call with Cambodia's ex-leader sparks outrage and political turmoil
Paetongtarn has already been criticized for a perceived soft stance toward Cambodia Published Jun 19, 2025 • 3 minute read Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives to talk to reporters at Government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, June 19, 2025. Photo by Sakchai Lalit / AP BANGKOK — Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faced growing calls for her resignation in a deepening political crisis set off by a leaked recording of her negotiating with Cambodia's former leader in the two nations' latest border dispute. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Paetongtarn apologized to the public on Thursday, after a major coalition partner used the leaked phone call to pull out of the fragile government led by her Pheu Thai Party. Paetongtarn has already been criticized for a perceived soft stance toward Cambodia, especially by right-wing nationalists who are longtime foes of her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The latest border dispute involved an armed confrontation May 28 in a relatively small contested territory in which one Cambodian soldier was killed. Outrage over the leak Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen posted the full, 17-minute phone call on his Facebook page after a shorter version was leaked Wednesday. He said he recorded the conversation 'to avoid any misunderstanding or misrepresentation in official matters,' adding that he shared the recording with at least 80 people. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In the recording, Paetongtarn was heard calling Hun Sen 'uncle' as they discussed through translators whether they should lift border restrictions imposed after the deadly clash. Backlash revolved around her calling a Thai army commander in charge of the border area where the clash happened as 'an opponent.' Critics said she was trying to please Hun Sen too much and made Thailand look weak. Paetongtarn said her comments were a negotiation tactic and that her goal was to bring peace between the countries. However, she said she would no longer engage in a private talk with Hun Sen as she could not trust him. 'It's now clear that all that he cares about is his popularity in the country, without considering impacts on relations with other countries,' she said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Thailand's Foreign Affairs Ministry said it submitted a protest letter over the leaked recording with the Cambodian ambassador, saying that Cambodia's actions were unacceptable and 'a breach of diplomatic etiquette, a serious violation of trust, and undermines conduct between two neighboring countries.' Paetongtarn has described the two families as having close, longtime relationships. Her father Thaksin and Hun Sen reportedly regard each other as 'godbrothers.' In 2009, Hun Sen appointed Thaksin as a Cambodian government adviser, but Thaksin soon resigned the position. Mounting pressure Hours after the leak, the Bhumjaithai party, the biggest partner in Paetongtarn's ruling coalition, said it would quit because of the leaked phone call. The party's statement said the recording 'posed an impact on Thailand's sovereignty, territory, interests and the army.' The party called for Paetongtarn to take responsibility for the damage, although they did not say how. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. There has already been a rift between Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai over reports that the former would be shuffled out of the powerful Interior Ministry. Several Bhumjaithai leaders are also under investigation over the alleged rigging of the Senate election in which many figures who are reportedly close to the party claimed a majority of seats. The departure of Bhumjaithai left the 10-party coalition with 255 seats, just above the majority of the 500-seat house. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People's Party on Thursday called for Paetongtarn to dissolve Parliament and hold a new election. He said the leaked phone call was 'the last straw' that destroyed people's faith in her administration. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Dozens of nationalists protesters gathered near the Government House on Thursday, holding Thai national flags and signs calling for Paetongtarn to resign. Some senators said they will file a motion to impeach her, and several other individuals also filed complaints over the matter to law enforcement agencies. People have also expressed concern that Paetongtarn's comment towards the local army commander could potentially lead to a military coup. Her father, Thaksin, was ousted in a coup in 2006, and Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, became prime minister in 2011 and was also toppled by the military in 2014. The military said in a statement Thursday that it would like the people to 'maintain confidence in the Royal Thai Army's steadfast commitment to constitutional monarchy and its readiness to execute its constitutional mandate of protecting national sovereignty through established legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms.' NHL Soccer Columnists Sunshine Girls Toronto Maple Leafs
UPI
a day ago
- Politics
- UPI
Thailand files protest after Cambodian official leaks phone call
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is seen here at the Pheu Thai Party's headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, in August 2024. She is currently facing blowback after a phone conversation between her and a Cambodian official was leaked online. File Photo by Rungroj Yongrit/EPA-EFE June 19 (UPI) -- Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Thursday that it will hand a letter of protest to Cambodia's government after a call between the two countries was allegedly leaked by a high-profile Cambodian official. In a press release, the Thai agency said "These actions taken by the Cambodian side are totally unacceptable. It is a breach of diplomatic etiquette, a serious violation of trust, and undermines conduct between two neighboring countries." The protest comes after Cambodian Senate President Samdech Hun Sen posted a call between himself and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Facebook Wednesday. The conversation took place Sunday and Paetongtarn allegedly criticized the Thai military and called Hun Sen "uncle." The call was held to discuss the ongoing border dispute between the nations, which has led to some conflict and the death of a Cambodian soldier last month. Paetongtarn can be heard in the call telling Hun Sen not to listen to public statements made by a Thai military official, and that if Hun Sen wants something, "he can just tell me, and I will take care of it." Paetongtarn publicly apologized Wednesday and said at a press conference the call went as it did because she was employing negotiation tactics, and that now she realizes the release of the call by Hun Sen is "political theater." Thailand's Foreign Affairs Ministry also accused Cambodia on Thursday of using social media "to gain popularity among their people and to divide society in both countries." Since the incident took place, Thai's Bhumjaithai party, a partner of the prime minister's administration, announced it left Paetongtarn's coalition Wednesday, which makes it much more difficult for her Pheu Thai party's ability to maintain its control. Hun Sen was the top Cambodian leader for nearly 40 years, and despite having stepped down in 2023 and putting his son, Hun Manet, in charge. He remains a powerful political figure in his country, though He also is a long-time ally of Paetongtarn's father, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and her calling Hun Sen "uncle" has fueled her critics who said she appeared to be unacceptably deferential to him during the call.
