Latest news with #borderDispute
CNN
2 days ago
- Politics
- CNN
How a leaked phone call between a former strongman and a young leader could topple a government
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing increasing pressure to step down, after appearing to criticize the military in a 17-minute leaked phone call she had with Cambodia's powerful former leader over an escalating border dispute. The scandal, which sparked widespread anger in the country, brings fresh uncertainty to a country roiled by years of political turbulence and leadership shake-ups. Paetongtarn, 38, has only held the premiership for ten months after replacing another prime minister who was removed from office. It also comes at a time when the Southeast Asian kingdom is struggling to boost its ailing economy, is negotiating a trade deal with the United States to avoid punishing tariffs, and is embroiled in an escalating border dispute with its neighbor Cambodia that has soured relations to their lowest point in years. Paetongtarn apologized on Thursday and Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Cambodian ambassador to deliver a letter of protest, calling the leak of the private phone call 'a breach of diplomatic etiquette.' 'Thailand views that these actions are unacceptable conduct between states. It contradicts internationally accepted practices and the spirit of good neighborliness' and 'undermined the trust and respect between the two leaders and countries,' a ministry spokesperson said in a statement. In a post on his official Facebook page, Hun Sen said he had shared a recording of the call with about 80 Cambodian officials and suggested one of them may have leaked the audio. The 72-year-old political veteran later posted a recording of the 17-minute call in its entirety. In the leaked call, which took place on June 15, Paetongtarn could be heard calling former Cambodian strongman Hun Sen 'uncle' and appeared to criticize her own army's actions in after border clashes led to the death of a Cambodian soldier last month. Paetongtarn, a relative political newcomer from a powerful dynasty who became Thailand's youngest prime minister last year, appeared to signal there was discord between her government and the country's powerful military. In the call, the Thai prime minister can be heard telling Hun Sen that she was under domestic pressure and urged him not to listen to the 'opposite side,' in which she referred to an outspoken Thai army commander in Thailand's northeast. 'Right now, that side wants to look cool, they will say things that are not beneficial to the nation. But what we want is to have peace just like before any clashes happened at the border,' Paetongtarn could be heard saying. She also added that if Hun Sen 'wants anything, he can just tell me, and I will take care of it.' Her comments in the leaked audio, which was confirmed as authentic by both sides, struck a nerve in Thailand, and opponents accused her of compromising the country's national interests. The Bhumjaithai party, a major partner of the prime minister's government, withdrew from the coalition on Wednesday, dealing a major blow to her Pheu Thai party's ability to hold power. 'Paetongtarn compromised her position as prime minister and damaged Thai national interest by kowtowing to Hun Sen,' said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor of political science at Chulalongkorn University. 'Her exit is a matter of time and she could be liable for further charges.' The handling of the border dispute has also stoked nationalist fervor in both countries. In Thailand, conservative forces have called for Paetongtarn to face charges and resign. In Cambodia, thousands of people joined a government-organized rally last week in solidarity with the government and military over the issue. Thailand and Cambodia have had a complicated relationship of both cooperation and rivalry in recent decades. The two countries share a 508-mile (817-kilometer) land border – largely mapped by the French while they occupied Cambodia - that has periodically seen military clashes and been the source of political tensions. Paetongtarn on Wednesday tried to downplay her remarks to Hun Sen, saying at a press conference she was trying to diffuse tensions between the two neighbors and the 'private' call 'shouldn't have been made public.' The prime minister said she was using a 'negotiation tactic' and her comments were 'not a statement of allegiance.' 'I understand now, this was never about real negotiation. It was political theater,' she said. 'Releasing this call… it's just not the way diplomacy should be done.' Hun Sen, the veteran leader who ruled Cambodia with an iron-fist for almost 40 years, stepped down in 2023 and handed power to his son Hun Manet. But he remains a hugely influential figure in Cambodian politics, he currently serves as senate president and is a friend and ally of Paetongtarn's father, the former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Tensions between the two neighbors worsened last month, when a Cambodian solider was killed during a brief clash between Thai and Cambodian troops in which both sides opened fire in a contested border area of the Emerald Triangle, where Cambodia, Thailand and Laos meet. Thai and Cambodian forces said they were acting in self-defense and blamed the other for the skirmish. Although military leaders from Thailand and Cambodia said they wished to de-escalate, both sides have since engaged in saber-rattling and reinforced troops along the border. Thailand took control of border checkpoints, imposed restrictions on border crossings and threatened to cut electricity and internet to Cambodia's border towns. Cambodia in return stopped imports of Thai fruit and vegetables and banned Thai movies and TV dramas. Cambodia also filed a request with the UN's International Court of Justice to seek a ruling over disputed border areas with Thailand, including the site of the most recent clash. However, Thailand does not recognize the ICJ's jurisdiction and claims that some areas along the border were never fully demarcated, including the sites of several ancient temples. In 2011, Thai and Cambodian troops clashed in a nearby area surrounding the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World heritage site, displacing thousands of people on both sides and killing at least 20 people.
Malay Mail
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Can Asean step up? Cambodia-Thailand border clash offers a constructive wake-up call — Phar Kim Beng
JUNE 8 — As Asean grapples with the prolonged crisis in Myanmar, another challenge has emerged from within its own ranks — one that, if handled wisely, could help the regional bloc mature into a more credible conflict manager. The recent fatal border skirmish between Cambodia and Thailand near the long-contested Preah Vihear Temple area has once again brought historic grievances to the surface. A Cambodian soldier was reportedly shot dead by Thai forces in May 2025 during a patrol near the disputed 'Emerald Triangle' zone. In response, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced his intention to bring the matter before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), even without Thai consent. While this incident could deepen bilateral mistrust, it also presents an opportunity for Asean — currently chaired by Malaysia — to prove that it is more than a ceremonial organisation. It could become a catalyst for building stronger regional mechanisms to deal with disputes that have too often been left to fester. A constructive lens on a historic dispute The Cambodia-Thailand dispute over Preah Vihear is not new. The ICJ ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia, but the surrounding 4.6 square kilometres remained contested. Armed clashes erupted between 2008 and 2011, prompting Asean to step in diplomatically for the first time in a military stand-off between its members. That moment led to quiet shuttle diplomacy and a cooling of tensions. Now, in 2025, the situation threatens to escalate once more. But unlike in previous episodes, Asean has tools — however underused — that could be activated constructively. Asean's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) includes a rarely invoked High Council for dispute settlement. Its Asean Regional Forum (ARF) and Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM+) offer platforms for dialogue. The Asean Institute for Peace and Reconciliation could also play a mediating role. So why not use them? From paralysis to pragmatism One major obstacle has always been Asean's consensus principle and its tradition of non-interference. But growing intra-regional disputes — whether over Myanmar's humanitarian crisis, South China Sea claims, or now a live-fire incident between neighbours — demand more pragmatic engagement. Malaysia, as Asean Chair in 2025, is well-positioned to lead. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has already taken moral and strategic positions on global issues, from Palestine to Myanmar. Here, he could initiate a special meeting of Asean foreign ministers or even convene the High Council under TAC to mediate the dispute. This would not be about choosing sides, but about reinforcing Asean's ability to prevent escalation. A fact-finding mission, bilateral talks under Asean's auspices, or even a confidence-building agreement on joint patrolling of the disputed area could help cool tempers and restore dialogue. A lesson in equal treatment The current episode also offers a chance to re-examine Asean's uneven diplomatic responses. Cambodia was among the members that argued for quiet diplomacy in Myanmar. Now, as it seeks international adjudication for its own grievances, Asean must demonstrate it applies consistent standards for all. This isn't hypocrisy — it's evolution. The willingness of Cambodia to elevate the issue to the ICJ reflects a broader trend in Southeast Asia: legal norms and international institutions are increasingly seen as valid channels for conflict resolution. Asean should not be threatened by this. Instead, it can play a bridging role — facilitating dialogue while respecting legal pathways pursued by its members. Moreover, Asean must avoid letting external alignments complicate the issue. Cambodia's close ties with China and Thailand's alliance with the United States may add geopolitical layers to the dispute, but they need not define it. What matters is Asean's ability to respond constructively and neutrally. Turning a challenge into a blueprint Handled correctly, this border crisis could provide a blueprint for Asean in responding to future internal tensions. It would send a clear message that Asean is capable of: Convening early warning mechanisms for conflict de-escalation; Acting as a diplomatic facilitator even without binding powers; Strengthening regional solidarity through principled neutrality. Importantly, it would reinforce Asean's role in preserving peace not just as an aspiration, but as a practice. This is not about solving the Preah Vihear dispute overnight. It is about setting a precedent: that no internal tension is too small — or too sensitive — for Asean to engage with diplomatically. Conclusion: A constructive crossroads In the shadow of Myanmar, it is easy to forget that Asean faces multiple, layered challenges. The Cambodia-Thailand incident is not just a local flare-up; it is a reminder that Asean's credibility starts with its ability to manage disputes within its own family. Rather than retreat behind silence or soft statements, Asean can turn this moment into one of constructive diplomacy. Malaysia, as Asean Chair, has a chance to lead by example. The choice is Asean's. With foresight and firmness, this crisis can be the beginning of a stronger, more responsive Southeast Asian community. * Phar Kim Beng, PhD, is Professor of Asean Studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia and author of The Future of Asean in the Indo-Pacific Order. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
