At 2:00 p.m. on June 18 at Government House, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Deputy Prime Minister/Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai held an urgent press conference following the release of a leaked phone recording. The 9-minute clip, circulating widely online, reportedly captures a private conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, in which the Thai PM appears to criticize the Thai Second Army Region commander.
Paetongtarn confirmed the audio was authentic but clarified it was part of a private diplomatic conversation aimed at defusing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. She said she had used conciliatory language because she knew Hun Sen was displeased with the military commander and sought peace, not confrontation. However, she expressed disappointment that the conversation was recorded and leaked, saying she now realizes Hun Sen likely did so for domestic political gain.
According to Cambodian media outlet Phnom Penh Post, the conversation took place on June 15 and involved discussions on easing border tensions, particularly reversing recent restrictions on cross-border movements.
In the audio, Paetongtarn explains that recent border limitations were decisions by the Thai military, not the civilian government, and that Thailand faces international pressure over the issue. Hun Sen responded firmly, demanding Thailand revert to the original border gate closing times and warning Cambodia would only respond based on Thai actions. He said Cambodia would lift restrictions on Thai fruit and vegetable imports only if Thailand restored the previous border schedule.
Hun Sen defended recording the conversation, stating it was necessary for transparency and to prevent misunderstandings. He disclosed that the clip had been shared with 80 individuals, including members of the Senate’s permanent committee, foreign affairs task forces, military personnel, and other officials.
He further stated that if Thailand demands full transparency, he is ready to release the entire 17-minute and 6-second conversation.