BANGKOK – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra struck a defiant tone Wednesday, framing a leaked diplomatic recording as a national security threat while rallying Thais behind the military in an escalating border dispute with Cambodia.

Thai PM Confirms Authenticity of Leaked Call With Cambodia’s Hun Sen Amid Border Tensions

In an emergency press conference, the embattled leader apologized for “misunderstandings” stemming from her private call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, where she criticized Second Army Region Commander Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang – the officer leading Thailand’s border security operations. She characterized the remark as a “negotiating tactic” to de-escalate tensions.

“The armed forces have my full confidence,” Paetongtarn asserted, even as she condemned Hun Sen’s “unacceptable” decision to publicize their discussion. The Foreign Ministry formally protested by summoning Cambodian Ambassador Hun Saroeun hours earlier.

Thai PM apologises for leaked audio of call with Cambodia's Hun Sen https://t.co/rxLj4olb0s https://t.co/rxLj4olb0s

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The crisis erupted after audio revealed the PM telling Hun Sen, “Uncle, just tell me what you want and all can be arranged” – phrasing opposition critics decry as capitulation. The premier refused to address resignation demands or House dissolution, instead framing the leak as sabotage: “This is no time for quarrels, but for national unity against threats to our sovereignty.”

The controversy exposes deepening fractures in Thai-Cambodian relations, with Lt. Gen. Boonsin having previously challenged Phnom Penh’s territorial claims. Analysts note the scandal undermines Paetongtarn’s leadership amid ongoing military tensions, with border checkpoints remaining flashpoints after Cambodia’s recent ban on Thai agricultural imports.

Cambodia Implements Ban on Thai Fruit and Vegetable Imports Amid Border Dispute

Background: The leaked call occurred amid Cambodia’s petition to the International Court of Justice over disputed border zones – a move Thailand rejects.

-Thailand News (TN)