Private call with Hun Sen no harm to country – Paetongtarn

The Thai Prime Minister insisted today that there was nothing inappropriate or damaging to Thailand in the leaked audio recording of her conversation with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen.

She emphasised that she gained nothing from the conversation.

The discussion with Hun Sen was private and should not have been made public, she said, adding that she is prepared to explain every detail if necessary.

Paetongtarn was responding to a media report about the prospect of the Constitutional Court accepting a petition, filed by a group of senators, seeking an investigation into the leaked recording. The petitioners are calling for her removal from office, accusing her of gross ethical misconduct.

The Court can elect to suspend her from duty during the investigation.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has already unanimously agreed to investigate the same allegations.

Regarding the call with Hun Sen, Paetongtarn claimed that it is normal for national leaders to hold discussions by phone.

In the leaked call, she spoke with Hun Sen, through an interpreter, about an ongoing border dispute. Hun Sen is known to be a long-time friend of her family.

She can be heard criticising a Thai regional commander responsible for overseeing the Thai-Cambodian border, saying he "just wanted to look tough" and referring to him as an “opponent.”

Addressing Hun Sen as “uncle,” she added, “If there’s anything you want, just let me know. I’ll take care of it.”

After the conversation became public, she held an impromptu press conference, stating “I would like to apologise for the leaked audio of my conversation with a Cambodian leader, which has caused public concern.”

Paetongtarn has claimed that her remarks were part of a negotiating tactic.