Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has publicly apologised after a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen sparked outrage and pushed her government to the brink of collapse. In the call, she referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and labelled a Thai army commander as her “opponent,” fueling a political storm.

The fallout led to the conservative Bhumjaithai party withdrawing from the coalition, stripping Paetongtarn of her parliamentary majority. Pressure is mounting for her to resign or call new elections. Two other coalition partners are reviewing their positions, and losing either could collapse her government entirely.

At a press conference with military leaders, Paetongtarn expressed regret for the leaked conversation, which touched on a sensitive border dispute. Her comments have drawn criticism from both opposition parties and military figures, some questioning her capability and experience.

The crisis comes less than a year after she assumed office in August 2024, leading a fragile alliance between her Pheu Thai party and pro-military groups — long-time rivals of her influential father, Thaksin Shinawatra. The political instability raises fears of another military coup, which has been a recurring feature in Thailand’s modern history.