Bangkok: Thousands of people took to the streets of Bangkok demanding the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The protests erupted after a leaked phone conversation between Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen surfaced.
In the recently leaked phone conversation regarding a border incident between the two countries, Shinawatra referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized the Thai military commander handling the dispute, saying he “only wants to look good and makes statements without achieving any real objectives.” This remark sparked public outrage in Thailand and led to the resignation of a key member of the ruling coalition.
Although Shinawatra has apologized for the phone call, she defended it by saying it was simply “a style of conversation.”
She told reporters that peaceful protest is a fundamental right of the people.
Why tension between Cambodia and Thailand
As of now, tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have resurfaced primarily due to border disputes, which have historically been a sensitive issue between the two countries. While no major armed conflict has erupted recently, the current friction seems to be centered around the following:
1. Recent Border Incident
A recent incident along the Thailand-Cambodia border—possibly involving military patrols, disputed territory, or perceived encroachment—sparked the leaked phone call between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. In this call, Shinawatra’s remarks criticizing the Thai military commander for his handling of the situation caused domestic outrage in Thailand.
2. Historical Tensions
Thailand and Cambodia have a long-standing dispute over border areas, including:
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Preah Vihear Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site claimed by both countries, which has led to armed clashes in the past.
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Border demarcation issues: Incomplete or contested mapping of the border continues to cause friction, especially in rural or forested regions.
3. Political Sensitivities
The involvement of former Cambodian PM Hun Sen in the leaked call raised questions in Thailand about foreign influence or diplomatic impropriety. Referring to him as “uncle” and seeming to downplay the Thai military’s role angered many, leading to mass protests and calls for the Thai PM’s resignation.
