Thailand Summons Cambodian Envoy Over Leaked PM Border Call, Sparks Political Crisis

Thailand's Foreign Ministry has formally protested to Cambodia following the leak of a private phone call between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, which discussed ongoing border disputes. The leaked conversation included Paetongtarn referring to a Thai military commander as her opponent, sparking fierce criticism domestically and causing Thailand's Bhumjaithai Party, a key coalition partner, to withdraw from the government, threatening the coalition's stability. Thai officials condemned the leak as a breach of diplomatic etiquette and trust, accusing Cambodia of using social media to inflame divisions and undermine mutual respect between the countries. Paetongtarn apologized for the leak, clarifying the call was made on her personal phone and reaffirming her government's support for the military. Cambodia's Hun Sen defended recording the call for transparency, though the leak was described as unauthorized. The incident has intensified tensions over the border area known as the Emerald Triangle, where clashes recently resulted in a Cambodian soldier's death.