Piyapak Sricharoen, director-general of the Thai Department of East Asian Affairs, summoned Cambodian ambassador to Thailand Hun Saroeun (left), to accept a formal protest letter. Supplied
The Thai Foreign Ministry summoned the Cambodian Ambassador to Thailand at 11am today, June 19, to accept a letter of protest regarding the June 18 leaking of a recording of a phone call between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate president Hun Sen. The contents of the call were widely disseminated on social media.
Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura addressed a noon press conference, describing the leak as “a violation of diplomatic etiquette, a serious breach of trust and damaging to the conduct between the two neighbouring countries”.
“Thailand considers these actions unacceptable between states. They contradict internationally recognised practices and the spirit of good neighbourliness. They have also impacted trust and mutual respect between leaders and the two countries, severely affecting the sincere efforts of both sides to resolve issues honestly,” he said.
Nikorndej accused the Cambodian leadership of using social media to boost domestic popularity and divide the societies of both countries. He offered strong criticism, stating that such actions “demonstrate a lack of respect for the principles of good neighbourliness and do not deserve trust or respect from the international community”.
On June 18, a 17-minute of the June 15 phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen was leaked on social media. In the discussion, Paetongtarn proposed easing border tensions, while Hun Sen stated that Thailand had altered border opening and closing times, and Cambodia would not negotiate reopening but would follow Thailand’s lead.
In the same conversation, Paetongtarn criticised Thailand’s 2nd Army Region Commander Boonsin Padklang, saying he was against the Thai government. The comment cause turmoil in Thai politics, with protests held to demand her resignation and a major political party withdrawing from the ruling coalition, leaving it with a narrow majority.
Today, Paetongtarn issued a public apology for the conversation, claiming it was part of negotiations to reduce tensions.
“Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra sincerely apologises to the public regarding the leaked audio content of the phone conversation with the Cambodian leader. All actions were taken with the intent to protect national sovereignty, interests and the safety of Thai citizens, both in Thailand and those living in Cambodia,” said a Thai government statement, which Paetongtarn also shared.
The statement added that Paetongtarn’s chosen words were intended to persuade Cambodia to cooperate in de-escalating the conflict.
The Post was unable to obtain comment from Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation or a government spokesperson regarding the summoning of the ambassador.
Prime Minister Hun Manet and Hun Sen both responded to earlier claims by Paetongtarn that their use of Facebook is “unprofessional” by explaining that it is a quick way to disseminate information to the public, and no different from what many other leaders do.
Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that leaks telephone recordings are not unprecedented, such as between US and German leaders. He noted that in this case, the Thai leader provoked the situation first by using inappropriate language toward Cambodian leaders, such as when she accused them of conducting politics “unprofessionally”.
He added that Thailand’s summoning of the Cambodian ambassador was likely a face-saving exercise.
Regarding politicians’ use of social media, he believes it is an effective method, as world leaders commonly do, such as on the X platform.
“Even US President Donald Trump announced his reciprocal tariffs via social media. Politicians have their own strategies, and their approaches differ,” he said.
Phea added that the Cambodia-Thailand border issue is unlikely to ease soon, as it appears to have become a “hostage” to Thailand’s internal politics. Tensions could escalate if Thailand has a new leader, potentially leading to armed confrontation, he warned.
“If a new leader is appointed, their military may want to demonstrate unity or try to teach Cambodia a lesson. If a new government emerges, there will be significant changes in Cambodia-Thailand relations,” he said.
He suggested that if a new Thai government arises, relations between the two countries across nearly all sectors will change, and be less smooth than before. In response to such a scenario, he believed Cambodia should strengthen its national defence, diversify markets, reduce reliance on Thailand and create more domestic jobs, among other priorities.
Nevertheless, he encouraged both countries to find ways to improve their relationship to be friendly and peaceful neighbours.
