Thailand's Prime Minister Faces Political Crisis Over Leaked Call with Cambodia

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is confronting a significant political crisis following the public release of a recorded conversation with Cambodia's former leader, Hun Sen. The leaked phone call, which details discussions about a sensitive border dispute, has prompted widespread backlash and calls for her resignation from opposition leaders and coalition partners.

The controversy erupted after Hun Sen shared the full 17-minute recording on social media, claiming it was intended to clear up any potential misunderstandings. In it, Prime Minister Shinawatra was heard referring to Hun Sen as 'uncle' and discussing lifting border restrictions that had been imposed after a recent armed confrontation in which a Cambodian soldier was killed. Critics have condemned her language towards a Thai army commander involved in the border tensions, interpreting her comments as undermining Thailand's sovereignty and appearing excessively accommodating to Cambodia.

In response to the backlash, Shinawatra issued an apology to the public and asserted that her remarks were intended as a negotiation tactic aimed at fostering peace between the two nations. However, she indicated that she would cease private communications with Hun Sen, citing a loss of trust in his intentions.

The fallout from the leak has been severe, leading to the Bhumjaithai Party, a crucial coalition partner, withdrawing from the government coalition. They cited the phone call's implications for national interests and called for Shinawatra to take responsibility for the incident. This departure has left her coalition with just above a majority in the 500-seat parliament, intensifying calls for new elections.

The political landscape has become highly charged, with nationalists protesting outside Government House demanding Shinawatra's resignation. The military has also weighed in, urging the public to maintain confidence in its commitment to protect national sovereignty amidst growing tensions.

The incident exposes the fragility of Shinawatra's administration, which has faced scrutiny for perceived leniency towards Cambodia and internal coalition conflicts. Experts suggest that the political crisis could lead to further instability in Thailand, echoing past instances where leadership disputes have resulted in military interventions.

Political analysts, such as Dr. Somchai Srisuwan, a political science professor at Chulalongkorn University, argue that the incident marks a pivotal moment for the Shinawatra administration. 'This is not just a routine political challenge; it questions the very foundation of her leadership and raises fears of a potential military coup,' Srisuwan stated, referencing the ousting of her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, in 2006.

As the situation unfolds, international observers, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have lodged a formal complaint against Cambodia, labeling the leak a serious breach of diplomatic etiquette. This development underscores the delicate balance of diplomatic relations in Southeast Asia, particularly as Thailand navigates its historical ties with Cambodia amidst rising domestic pressures.

The implications of this crisis extend beyond Thailand's borders, potentially affecting regional stability and diplomatic relations in Southeast Asia. As calls for accountability grow louder, the future of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government remains uncertain, with many citizens wondering whether this incident will be the catalyst for significant political change.