Bangkok, Thailand – July 26, 2025

Thailand’s political landscape has been rocked by the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, following a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen, that has ignited a firestorm of controversy and escalated a decades-old border dispute. The 17-minute conversation, in which Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized a Thai military commander, has led to accusations of ethical breaches, public protests, and a precarious political situation for the Shinawatra dynasty.

The Leaked Call: A Diplomatic Misstep

On June 15, 2025, Paetongtarn, the 38-year-old daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, called Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former prime minister and current Senate President, to de-escalate tensions following a deadly border clash on May 28. The clash, in a contested area along the 508-mile Thai-Cambodian border, resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier, with both sides claiming self-defense. During the call, Paetongtarn urged Hun Sen to ignore a Thai regional army commander who had publicly criticized Cambodia, calling him “an opponent” who “just wants to look cool.” She also offered to “take care of” anything Hun Sen wanted, addressing him as “uncle,” a term of familial respect due to his long-standing ties with her father.

The call, recorded by Hun Sen and shared with over 80 people, was leaked to Cambodian media on June 18, later posted in full on Hun Sen’s Facebook page. The leak sparked outrage in Thailand, where critics accused Paetongtarn of undermining national interests and disrespecting the powerful Thai military. Conservative lawmakers and nationalist protesters condemned her for appearing overly deferential to Hun Sen, a polarizing figure who ruled Cambodia for nearly four decades before handing power to his son, Hun Manet, in 2023.

Constitutional Court Steps In

On July 1, Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn from her duties as prime minister, pending an ethics investigation prompted by a petition from 36 senators. The court voted unanimously to review the allegations of dishonesty and ethical violations, with a 7-2 decision to suspend her immediately. Paetongtarn was given 15 days to present her defense, with no clear timeline for a final ruling. She remains in the cabinet as culture minister following a reshuffle, while Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, a loyalist of her father, has taken over as acting prime minister.

Paetongtarn defended her actions, stating, “My intention was to help stabilize the situation and I never expected the conversation to be leaked.” She described her comments as a “negotiation tactic” to avoid further conflict, emphasizing her goal to prevent loss of life. However, her apologies have done little to quell the public and political backlash.

Border Tensions Escalate

The leaked call has exacerbated tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, rooted in a century-old dispute over colonial-era maps drawn by the French in 1907. Cambodia uses these maps to assert territorial claims, while Thailand disputes their accuracy. The most contentious site is the Preah Vihear temple, awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962, with further clashes in 2008 and 2011. The recent conflict, centered around disputed areas like Prasat Ta Muen Thom, saw renewed violence in July 2025, with Thailand reporting 15 deaths (11 civilians, one soldier, and three injuries from landmines) and Cambodia confirming at least one casualty.

Thailand accused Cambodia of laying new anti-personnel landmines, a violation of international law, prompting the recall of its ambassador and the expulsion of Cambodia’s envoy on July 23. Cambodia retaliated by banning Thai media, halting fruit and vegetable imports, and boycotting Thai electricity and internet connections. On July 24, Thailand launched airstrikes on Cambodian military targets, marking the deadliest clashes in over a decade. Both nations continue to trade accusations, with Cambodia claiming Thai troops fired first, while Thailand insists it responded to Cambodian aggression.

Political Fallout and Coalition Collapse

The scandal has destabilized Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party-led coalition, already weakened by economic challenges and a declining approval rating (from 30.9% in March to 9.2% in June). The Bhumjaithai Party, a key coalition partner with 69 MPs, withdrew support on June 18, leaving Pheu Thai with a slim majority in the 495-seat House. Protests erupted in Bangkok, with thousands rallying at Victory Monument on June 28, demanding Paetongtarn’s resignation. The opposition People’s Party, linked to the banned Move Forward Party, has called for fresh elections, while rumors of a military coup have surfaced, though the Thai Army has reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles.

Hun Sen’s decision to leak the call has raised questions about his motives. Experts suggest he may be deflecting attention from Cambodia’s own issues, including allegations of hosting scam call centers, which he has blamed on Thailand. His comments accusing Paetongtarn of insulting the Thai monarchy—by criticizing a military commander appointed by royal decree—have further inflamed tensions, especially given Thaksin’s ongoing trial for lèse-majesté, a serious offense in Thailand.

Regional Implications and Mediation Efforts

The conflict has drawn international attention, with China, a major trading partner for both nations, expressing concern and offering to facilitate talks. Thailand has agreed in principle to allow Malaysia, the 2025 ASEAN chair, to mediate, but Acting Prime Minister Phumtham emphasized that Cambodia must show sincerity in resolving the dispute. Cambodia, meanwhile, has signaled its intent to take the border issue to the International Court of Justice, a move Thailand opposes, favoring bilateral negotiations through the Joint Border Commission established in 2000.

The Shinawatra Dynasty Under Siege

Paetongtarn’s suspension marks the latest blow to the Shinawatra family, which has dominated Thai politics for two decades but faced repeated ousters. Thaksin was deposed in a 2006 coup, and his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was removed by a court order in 2014, followed by another coup. Political analysts warn that Paetongtarn’s potential dismissal could spell the end of the Shinawatra dynasty’s influence, with conservative forces in the military, monarchy, and judiciary circling. “This has become a pattern in Thai politics,” said Titipol Phakdeewanich, a political science lecturer at Ubon Ratchathani University. “The suspension by court order shouldn’t have happened, but the leaked conversation made people question if the PM was genuinely defending the country’s interest.”

As Thailand grapples with political turmoil, economic woes, and escalating border clashes, the fallout from the “uncle” call continues to reverberate, threatening to reshape the region’s geopolitical landscape.

Sources: The Hindu, The New York Times, BBC News, CNN, The Guardian, Reuters, AP News, The Telegraph, The Independent