It was a call to someone she viewed as a longtime family ally. When Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra contacted Hun Sen, the influential former leader of neighboring Cambodia, she later explained the purpose was to de-escalate a conflict over a border disagreement.
However, the conversation—curiously shared in its entirety by Hun Sen—has triggered a new political uproar in Thailand, threatening her leadership and weakening the standing of her influential family, the Shinawatras. It may also lead to renewed instability in a nation familiar with military takeovers and legal battles.
This week, the constitutional court barred Paetongtarn from her duties while an investigation into her conduct proceeds, following large protests demanding her resignation.
The leaked call has fueled anger in Thailand, where critics accuse her of either political inexperience or outright betrayal. In the recording, she refers to Hun Sen as “uncle,” assures him she would handle his requests, and disparages a high-ranking Thai military official.
Paetongtarn, 38, had no prior government experience before assuming office less than a year ago, succeeding Srettha Thavisin after his removal by court order.
The Shinawatras are accustomed to political turmoil, having survived mass protests, legal battles, and even military interventions. The family’s patriarch, former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, overthrown in a 2006 coup, remains a polarizing figure despite years in self-exile.
Paetongtarn, Thailand’s youngest prime minister, came to power during a volatile period, leading an uneasy coalition formed after her father negotiated an alliance with former rivals. This controversial deal blocked a rising reformist party from government and allowed Thaksin to return without facing imprisonment.
Now, the current controversy has raised doubts about whether this could be the end of the Shinawatra political era.
“The establishment may no longer see Thaksin as indispensable,” said Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a professor at Kyoto University’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies.
He added, “Paetongtarn will likely be removed in some manner... The Shinawatras have exhausted their political options.” Even if other relatives emerge, he believes “the public has lost patience.”
Read next
Over 1 million people gather in Madrid for outdoor mass with Pope Leo
Over one million people gathered in Madrid for an open-air mass led by Pope Leo. During the service, the American pontiff highlighted the contradiction between Christian principles and far-right ideology, stating, “No one can kneel before the Lord and despise their brother.”
Crowds began forming hours before dawn on Sunday
Xi Jinping visits Pyongyang to strengthen China-North Korea relations
Xi Jinping has begun a two-day visit to North Korea, marking his first trip to the country in nearly seven years as he seeks to strengthen relations with the ally.
Footage from the Xinhua state news agency showed the Chinese leader and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arriving at Sunan international
Denmark's mullet championship celebrates the 'beautifully ugly' and divisive hairstyle
Copenhagen recently hosted the 2026 Mullet Championship, where more than 1,000 spectators gathered on an outdoor stage to celebrate the enduring hairstyle characterized by short hair in the front and length in the back.
Twelve participants competed in the event, which was organized by 37-year-old electrician Steffen Stiw Weber.