BANGKOK, June 18 – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra today acknowledged the legitimacy of a leaked audio recording featuring her private conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, calling the disclosure a politically motivated act to bolster his domestic standing.

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At an emergency press conference, the Thai leader revealed the June 15 discussion addressed simmering border tensions after Cambodia took offense to earlier remarks by Thailand’s 2nd Army Region commander. The Prime Minister characterized her outreach as a diplomatic effort to normalize checkpoint operations, a proposal Phnom Penh ultimately rejected.

“This was a good-faith attempt to de-escalate tensions,” stated Paetongtarn, vowing to cease confidential communications following the breach. When pressed about repairing strained relations between the Shinawatra and Hun Sen political dynasties, she offered a terse response: “I don’t know.”

Thai PM has admitted that the audio clip of her conversation with Hun Sen is genuine. She mentioned the commander of the 2nd Army Region and stated that the clip should not have been released as it was part of a negotiation. pic.twitter.com/ktM1WcGDcA

— TNAMCOT English (@TNAMCOTEnglish) June 18, 2025

The Prime Minister forcefully denied suggestions the leaked dialogue exposed civil-military discord, asserting full coordination with armed forces leadership. Her remarks came as 2nd Army Region Commander Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang confirmed receiving her explanatory call, characterizing the exchange as an “informal discussion” to ease border pressures.

“There are no remaining concerns from this episode,” the general told reporters, pledging continued cooperation with the civilian government. Analysts suggest the leak exacerbates already fraught relations between the neighbors, following Cambodia’s recent ban on Thai agricultural imports and reciprocal border workforce restrictions.

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The incident marks the latest test for Paetongtarn’s administration as it navigates complex regional diplomacy amid heightened political sensitivities.

-Thailand News (TN)