Thousands of protesters rallied in the Thai capital, Bangkok on Saturday 28 June demanding their prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to resign, amid growing anger over a leaked phone call she had with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.[1] The protestors, despite the heavy rainfall, stood strong, holding flags and signs on the street of the Victory Monument in central Bangkok. The rally was organised by a coalition that has protested against Shinawatra-led governments for more than two decades.[2]

Thai citizens are upset over the leaked negotiation call between their Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Cambodia’s Senate President, Hun Sen, regarding the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. After the initial leak, the full 17-minute conversation was posted by Hun Sen, in which Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized the Thai Army Commander.  

Following this, the leader of the opposition People’s Party urged the Thai Prime Minister to step down saying it's time for her to take responsibility. Moreover, the Bhumjaithai Party, the second-biggest party in her coalition, also pulled its support, deepening the political crisis. Meanwhile Sarote Phuengrampan, secretary-general of the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, said on Wednesday that his agency is investigating Paetongtarn for a serious breach of ethics over the Hun Sen phone call[3].

Many protesters view the call as evidence that the Prime Minister is too close to the Cambodian leadership and failing to defend Thai sovereignty. “She’s being manipulated by Hun Sen,” one protester told local media. “Our leaders should stand up for Thailand, not bow to outsiders.” The people of Thailand believe their prime minister has undermined their country as a whole.

“I would like to apologize for the leaked audio of my conversation with a Cambodian leader, which has caused public resentment,”[4] Paetongtarn told reporters on Thursday. While she apologized for the leaked phone call, she explained that it was a negotiation technique and assured the public she would refrain from such communications in the future. 

Consequently, a group of 36 senators brought petition to the Constitutional Court of Thailand accusing the Prime Minister of violation of constitution resulting into her suspension on July 1[5] and if proven guilty she will face dismissal.

The call came in the context of the initial dispute between the two countries that took place in May 2025, when a skirmish broke out between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed border area between the neighbors. This led to elevated tensions that invoked national sentiment among citizens of both countries. Tit-for-tat action was seen from both governments where Thailand imposed border restrictions with Cambodia and Cambodia banned Thai fruits and vegetables, films from TV and cinemas, closed a border checkpoint, and cut internet bandwidth.[6]

What started as a border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over a disputed border area has spiralled into a full-blown political storm in Thailand. With protests spreading and criticism growing louder by the day, questions over Shinawatra’s judgment and loyalty are now front and centre and her hold on power is increasingly uncertain.

While embroiled in political turmoil at home, Thailand continues to face long-standing border issues with its neighbour which dates back over a century. The two Southeast Asian neighbours need to address this dispute through diplomatic and peaceful means.