THAILAND

BANGKOK — Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (picture) on Thursday apologised to the public over a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen that has sparked widespread anger.

Paetongtarn acknowledged that the incident should not have happened and expressed deep regret for the discomfort it has caused.

“I must apologise to the public for the incident involving the leaked audio of my conversation with the Cambodian leader. This is something that should not have happened,” she told a press conference after meeting with security officials, military leaders, and representatives from the Foreign Ministry here on Thursday.

In the call, Paetongtarn reportedly discussed an ongoing border dispute with Hun Sen, who stepped down as Cambodian prime minister in 2023, and made remarks allegedly blaming her own military for “miscommunication”.

The leaked June 15 phone call, which has been confirmed as authentic by both Hun Sen and Paetongtarn, features the Thai prime minister addressing the veteran leader as “uncle” and referring to a prominent Thai military commander at the border as “the opposite side”.

Hun Sen posted the conversation on his Facebook page on June 18. He said the recording lasted for 17 minutes and that he initially released only a nine-minute excerpt, adding that he would make the entire call available if requested.

Paetongtarn explained that her intentions during the conversation were purely to employ communication techniques aimed at achieving peaceful negotiations.

Paetongtarn said she had already spoken with the Commander of the Second Army Area and military leaders to clarify that her intention was to establish an initial understanding before discussing further details, with the ultimate aim of preventing clashes.

 “My genuine intention was to maintain peace,” she said, adding that the military had understood her explanation.

“I want to reaffirm that the government and the military are united. We ask the public to stand with us in unity to protect our nation’s sovereignty.

“This is not the time for internal conflicts,” she said.

Paetongtarn said the leaked call posed a significant national security threat and  should not be taken lightly.

“Today, all sectors have agreed that this is a major threat to national security, not merely a minor issue involving the public or a matter of conflict between the government and the military,” she said.

 “I once again apologise for not being aware that the conversation was being recorded. Moving forward, I will be more cautious in my communication,” she added.

Paetongtarn said the Cambodian Ambassador to Thailand had been summoned over the recorded conversation.

“It was a private conversation conducted on my personal phone, not an official negotiation through diplomatic channels, and this should never have happened,” she said. — BERNAMA

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