Thai Prime Minister Faces Storm of Controversy After Border Discourse with Cambodia's Leader

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's recent informal dialogue with Cambodia's Hun Sen ignites a political firestorm, leading to calls for her resignation amid accusations of undermining Thailand's military.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand is under increasing scrutiny following a private phone call with Hun Sen, the longstanding leader of Cambodia. The fallout from this discussion has put her in the political hot seat, as critics argue she has shown weakness toward Thailand's military and compromised her authority. The conversation, intended to assuage rising tensions over a longstanding border dispute, inadvertently revealed fissures within her own government.

On Sunday, during her call with Hun Sen, the former prime minister and patriarch of the Cambodian leadership, Ms. Paetongtarn used the term “uncle” to address him in English, a sign of cordiality that many lawmakers have interpreted as too deferential. She also downplayed the role of the Thai military, suggesting they were trying to project an image that did not align with beneficial diplomatic dialogue.

"Tell him that actually if he wants something, he can say it and we will arrange it for him," she remarked to her interpreter, a comment that has raised eyebrows among politicians in both her coalition and the opposition, prompting demands for her resignation.

The recording of the conversation was shared by Mr. Hun Sen on his Facebook page, further deepening the crisis for Ms. Paetongtarn, whose government is already grappling with multiple political challenges. Her critics argue that her remarks not only undermine the military's standing but also hint at a dangerously conciliatory approach towards a neighboring leader, potentially inviting scrutiny at home.