Paetongtarn Shinawatra defends her ‘sympathetic remarks and softer tone’ during phone call as part of negotiation strategy to ease border tensions

The latest border dispute involved an armed confrontation May 28 in a relatively small contested territory in which one Cambodian soldier was killed.

The controversial audio, which was shared publicly by Hun Sen himself, captured Paetongtarn referring to the Cambodian leader as “uncle” and appearing to undermine a top Thai military commander during a discussion about an ongoing border dispute. The leak has not only enraged critics but also shaken the foundation of her fragile ruling coalition.