The prime minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is now under rising criticism as demands grow for her to leave office, following comments she made that appeared to downplay the authority of Thailand’s military and show respect toward Cambodia’s top political figure.
She held that conversation to try and ease tensions concerning a border disagreement between Thailand and Cambodia, which had already been building for weeks. But instead of calming the situation, that exchange sparked another round of unrest in a country that has experienced repeated political struggles in recent years.
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Ms. Paetongtarn had spoken with Hun Sen, who once served as Cambodia’s prime minister and remains the father of the present leader, during a Sunday call. That discussion became public when Mr. Hun Sen shared an audio recording of it, with interpreters speaking both Thai and Khmer, on Facebook by Wednesday.
During the call, she used the English word “uncle” while addressing Mr. Hun Sen, who still leads the Cambodian People’s Party. At one point, she suggested he ignore the “opposite side,” meaning Thailand’s military officials, whom she claimed were making remarks just to seem impressive, rather than offering real solutions.
At another moment in the conversation, she told the Thai interpreter, “Tell him that actually if he wants something, he can say it and we will arrange it for him,” again referring to Mr. Hun Sen.
Backlash and Political Fallout
Her remarks quickly brought reactions from lawmakers across the board. Both allies and rivals in Parliament criticized her and demanded she step down from her role as head of government.
This situation has now grown into one more reason why many are questioning her leadership and her family’s continued involvement in politics. As the daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has played a central role in Thailand’s political life for over twenty years, her every move is closely watched.
Many conservative groups that have long believed the Shinawatra family is only interested in holding on to political power now see this latest controversy as proof that the family would put personal interest before the country’s benefit.
When she spoke with reporters on Wednesday, Ms. Paetongtarn showed frustration and tried to explain that her calm and kind tone during the conversation was part of her approach to negotiation.
But that reason did not reduce public frustration. Later that same day, the Bhumjaithai Party, which had been the second biggest group in her coalition government, announced it would leave the alliance. This now leaves Ms. Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai party with only a slim hold on Parliament.
According to Napon Jatusripitak, a political analyst based in Singapore at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, this moment could be what begins to weaken her administration’s foundation.
Public Protests and Government Instability
On Thursday, people came out to protest at the government office in Bangkok where the prime minister works. She addressed the media again that day, saying during a press conference, “It’s not the time to fight each other. For what happened, I’m sorry.”
While she offered an apology, she did not mention the growing demands for her to quit. She also said it was wrong for Mr. Hun Sen to release their private conversation to the public.
Opposition figure Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has also spoken on the matter, urging the prime minister to dissolve the country’s Parliament.
He added, “We also call on the members of the current government coalition: changing the prime minister by using an external power is not the solution,” indirectly referring to the possibility of military involvement.
The Thai army chief also stated on Thursday, when he called on citizens to remain united and said the main focus must be on protecting the interests of the country.
Ms. Paetongtarn became prime minister in 2024, following the removal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisi, by the Constitutional Court, which ruled that he failed to meet the ethical standards required. At 37, she became the youngest head of government in Asia.
