
Hun Sen's Fierce Rebuke: Thai PM Accused of Insulting the Monarchy!
2025-06-27
Author: Li
Tensions are mounting between Cambodia and Thailand as former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen unleashes a blistering attack on Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. In a recent livestream, he accused her of making derogatory remarks about the Thai king through her remarks on military leadership, a statement that has sent shockwaves through the region.
Hun Sen didn’t hold back, declaring Paetongtarn's comments regarding her military commander a "direct insult" to the monarchy, emphasizing that only the king has the authority to appoint military leaders. This bold assertion illustrates the deep-seated sensitivities that surround both royal family and military dynamics in Thailand.
The controversial former prime minister, who has a storied history with the Shinawatra family, made headlines after he publicly released a 17-minute recording of a private conversation with Paetongtarn. In this leaked audio, the two leaders discussed heightened tensions over border restrictions following a deadly military clash that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
During their exchange, Paetongtarn referred to her military commander derogatorily and addressed Hun Sen as "uncle," raising eyebrows and sparking outrage in Thailand. Hun Sen revealed that he recorded the conversation to counter any criticism related to Cambodian troop movements, portraying himself as a protector of national dignity.
Throwing caution to the wind, Hun Sen accused the Shinawatra family of betrayal, asserting, "They betrayed me, so now I must expose them," signaling a fierce commitment to defending Cambodia’s honor.
The fallout from the leaked conversation has already begun to affect Paetongtarn’s position. Her government is teetering after losing support from the conservative Bhumjaithai party, whose departure has plunged her coalition into peril.
One of the key criticisms directed at Paetongtarn is her perceived disrespect towards the powerful military of Thailand, which plays a crucial role in the nation’s political landscape. Following the leak, calls for her resignation have intensified amid accusations of mishandling sensitive military matters.
Despite offering an apology and attempting to stabilize her coalition, Paetongtarn now faces the possibility of the Constitutional Court ruling against her following a petition from conservative senators. This potential ruling could lead to her suspension from office while the court deliberates, exacerbating the political turmoil surrounding her leadership.
In these charged times, the hopes for a new, competent leader to mend ties with Thailand and other neighboring nations surface, with Hun Sen himself expressing a wish for stability in the region.