Thailand PM Apologizes Amid Political Crisis Over Leaked Call

Bangkok, Jun 19 (AP) Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, issued an apology Thursday for the political turmoil triggered by a leaked recording of her discussions with Cambodia's former leader amid the two countries' latest border dispute.

Calls for her resignation intensified after a major coalition partner withdrew, destabilizing the Pheu Thai Party-led government. Paetongtarn has faced criticism for her perceived leniency toward Cambodia, particularly from right-wing nationalists who have long opposed her father, ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The latest border disagreement involved a May 28 armed clash in a disputed "no man's land" where one Cambodian soldier was killed. Cambodia's Senate President, Hun Sen, posted a complete 17-minute phone call on his Facebook page after a shorter version leaked Wednesday. He claimed the recording was to prevent misunderstandings and shared it with over 80 people.

In the audio, Paetongtarn is heard addressing Hun Sen as "uncle" while discussing lifting border restrictions following the deadly incident. The backlash centered on her referring to a Thai army commander as an "opponent." Critics argued she was too eager to appease Hun Sen and portrayed Thailand as weak.

Paetongtarn clarified that her comments were a negotiation tactic aimed at fostering peace between the nations. However, she vowed not to engage in private discussions with Hun Sen again, citing a lack of trust.

The Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry lodged a protest with the Cambodian ambassador, condemning the leak as "unacceptable" and against international norms. Paetongtarn noted the two families share close ties, with Thaksin and Hun Sen being long-known as "godbrothers."

Following the leak, the Bhumjaithai party, the largest partner in Paetongtarn's coalition, announced its exit due to the recording's implications on Thailand's sovereignty and interests. Tensions between Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai existed over possible Cabinet changes involving the Interior Ministry, alongside investigations into alleged Senate election rigging linked to Bhumjaithai.

The coalition's departure leaves the 10-party alliance with a delicate 255-seat majority in the 500-seat house. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut urged Paetongtarn to dissolve Parliament and call a new election, labeling the phone call leak as trust-breaking.

Protesters gathered near the Government House demanding Paetongtarn's resignation. Some senators and others have filed for her impeachment, while some fear her remarks about the army commander could prompt a coup. Paetongtarn's father, Thaksin, was ousted in a 2006 coup, and his sister, Yingluck, was similarly overthrown in 2014.

The Thai army reassures the public of its dedication to the constitutional monarchy, declaring its readiness to protect national sovereignty through established legal frameworks. (AP) NPK NPK

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