Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Apologizes for Controversial Call

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra issued an apology on Thursday, June 20, 2025, following the leak of a private phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen that has ignited public outrage and threatened her governing coalition. The leaked audio, in which Shinawatra discusses a border dispute and refers to Hun Sen as 'uncle,' has led to calls for her resignation and raised concerns over the stability of her administration, which has barely two years since its inception.

The incident not only provoked a backlash from the public but also prompted the Thai foreign ministry to summon the Cambodian ambassador to express dissatisfaction with the breach of diplomatic protocol. During a press conference, Shinawatra stated, 'I would like to apologize for the leaked audio of my conversation with a Cambodian leader which has caused public resentment.' The fallout from this incident has been significant, as it coincided with the resignation of her main coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, which cited the need to protect the dignity of the nation and the military.

According to analysts, the political crisis could lead to a snap election, as the resignation of Bhumjaithai's 69 lawmakers left Shinawatra’s government with a tenuous majority in parliament. The Thai stock market reacted negatively, dropping 2.4% on the same day, reflecting investor concerns over political instability.

Political expert Dr. Chaiyuth Chaiwong from Thammasat University remarked, 'This situation is a critical juncture for Paetongtarn. If she loses another coalition partner, it could spell the end of her government.' The Chartthaipattana Party, another coalition member, announced they would remain in the government for the time being, which provided a temporary reprieve for Shinawatra.

The military, historically a powerful player in Thai politics, issued a statement through Army Chief General Pana Claewplodtook, who emphasized the importance of national unity and democratic principles amidst the growing tensions. With Thailand’s history of political turmoil and military coups, the current climate has reignited fears of possible interventions.

The opposition, led by the People’s Party, which won the most seats in the 2023 elections but was barred from forming a government, is advocating for immediate elections. Opposition spokesperson, Natthapol Srisuwan, declared, 'Paetongtarn's government has proven to be ineffective, and the people deserve a chance to vote.'

Protests erupted outside Government House, featuring demonstrators calling for Shinawatra's resignation, many of whom are affiliated with the royalist 'Yellow Shirt' movement, which has opposed her family for years. Shinawatra, who ascended to power in August 2024, is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and has found herself in a precarious position, balancing the interests of her party with the conservative elements of her coalition.

As the political landscape in Thailand remains uncertain, observers speculate on the potential for further developments that could either consolidate or undermine Shinawatra’s leadership in the coming weeks. Political stability is crucial for Thailand as it grapples with economic challenges and seeks to maintain its standing on the global stage.