Fact Check: "PM Paetongtarn's leaked call with Hun Sen sparks massive public outrage."
What We Know
On June 19, 2025, a leaked phone call between Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen led to significant public backlash and political turmoil in Thailand. The recording, which was made public by Hun Sen, revealed discussions about lifting border restrictions following a deadly clash between Thai and Cambodian forces. In the call, Paetongtarn referred to a Thai army commander as "an opponent," which critics interpreted as a sign of weakness in her negotiation stance (AP News).
The fallout from the leak was immediate, with the Bhumjaithai Party, a major coalition partner, announcing its withdrawal from the government, further exacerbating the political crisis (Al Jazeera). Following the leak, Paetongtarn issued a public apology, stating that her comments were intended as negotiation tactics aimed at fostering peace (Nation Thailand).
Public protests erupted in Bangkok, with demonstrators demanding her resignation, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with her handling of the situation (Radio Nigeria).
Analysis
The evidence surrounding the claim of public outrage is robust. Multiple reputable sources confirm that the leaked phone call has indeed sparked significant public and political backlash against PM Paetongtarn. The Associated Press reported that the leak resulted in calls for her resignation and that the Bhumjaithai Party's exit from the coalition government was a direct consequence of the fallout from the leaked conversation (AP News).
Furthermore, the protests in Bangkok, as reported by Al Jazeera and Radio Nigeria, illustrate the extent of public discontent, with demonstrators gathering to express their anger and demand accountability from the Prime Minister (Al Jazeera, Radio Nigeria).
The reliability of these sources is high; both the Associated Press and Al Jazeera are well-established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The information provided is corroborated by multiple outlets, which adds to its credibility.
Conclusion
The claim that PM Paetongtarn's leaked call with Hun Sen sparked massive public outrage is True. The leaked conversation has led to significant political ramifications, including the withdrawal of a coalition partner and widespread protests demanding her resignation. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports this conclusion, demonstrating that the public's response to the leak has been one of anger and discontent.
Sources
- Protesters in Bangkok call for resignation of Thai PM
- Ilona Staller - Wikipedia
- Thai prime minister's leaked phone call with Cambodia's Hun Sen sparks ...
- Ilona Staller - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
- Ilona Staller - Wikipedia
- PM issues public apology over leaked conversation clip with Hun Sen
- Thailand protesters demand PM's resignation over leaked ...
- Che fine ha fatto Ilona Staller? Cosa fa oggi dopo il ... - Funweek