Thai PM Apologises for Leaked Call on Border Tensions

Thailand’s PM Paetongtarn speaks flanked by army chiefs, ministers in Bangkok, June 19, 2025.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Thursday publicly apologised for comments made in a leaked phone conversation with Cambodian leader Hun Sen regarding Thailand's Second Army commander.

Addressing a press conference after an urgent meeting with top military officials, Paetongtarn said she had been unaware the conversation was being recorded.

“I must apologise for what happened, as I truly didn’t know the conversation was being recorded,” she said. “From now on, I’ll be more careful with my words. If we are united, we will overcome this crisis.”

She assured the public that her government and the military remain committed to defending Thailand’s sovereignty.

The controversy erupted after Hun Sen released an audio clip of their recent conversation. In it, Paetongtarn asked the Cambodian leader to disregard the actions and remarks of the Second Army Area commander, who oversees the Thai-Cambodian border.

Referring to the commander as being on the "other side" of both governments, her comments came after the officer reduced operating hours at border crossings in response to Cambodia's military activities near the frontier.

Paetongtarn later clarified that her remarks were aimed at de-escalating tensions and not intended as criticism. She convened an urgent meeting with military chiefs on Thursday to reinforce the government's support for national security and the armed forces.

“Now is not the time for internal conflict. We must stand united in defending our sovereignty,” she said.

She also stressed that any government response must consider the safety of Thai citizens in Cambodia and those living near the border.

The Foreign Ministry has summoned Cambodia’s ambassador to Thailand to address the issue. The prime minister expressed disapproval of the audio leak, saying, “No other country does this. No world leader would tolerate it.”

Paetongtarn concluded by urging all Thais to stand together in support of the government and military.

“The government and armed forces are united,” she said. “Now I call on the people to be united with us. We must not fight among ourselves.”