BANGKOK, Thailand – A prominent opposition MP has called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to resign, saying a leaked audio clip of her private conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has shattered public trust and undermined Thailand’s national sovereignty.
Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a list MP and deputy leader of the Move Forward-affiliated Progressive Party, described the audio as “deeply shocking.” In the clip, Paetongtarn reportedly refers to Hun Sen as “Uncle” and appears to suggest she would accommodate Cambodian interests—without clearly affirming Thailand’s sovereignty or referencing the official Thai stance on the disputed border issue or the MOU 43 agreement.
“There’s no language in the clip that upholds Thailand’s rightful position. Not even a peaceful reaffirmation that the disputed area belongs to Thailand,” Wiroj said during a press briefing. “Instead, it’s a private-style negotiation with backdoor dealing.”
He emphasized that the prime minister holds not just an executive role but also commands internal security as director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) and chair of the National Security Council. Her behavior, he argued, failed to reflect the weight and responsibility of those roles.
“This is not your family business. This is Thailand. You cannot treat the premiership like it’s a company you inherited,” Wiroj declared. “The clip shows you’ve lost legitimacy to serve as Prime Minister.”
He added that although he had previously refrained from direct attacks on Paetongtarn, the current situation was too serious to ignore. “I’ve always aimed to be constructive, even as part of the opposition. But this crosses a line. The public deserves better.”
Wiroj also expressed strong support for the Royal Thai Army’s Region 2 Commander, urging him not to yield to foreign pressure or diplomatic manipulation.
“We must not give Hun Sen or Cambodian PM Hun Manet what they want—which is to divide us or provoke a coup. Don’t walk into their trap,” he said, warning against internal disunity or any military intervention. “A coup would only damage Thailand’s credibility internationally and play into Cambodia’s hands.”
When asked whether the clip could spark mass protests or political instability, Wiroj expressed concern and urged Paetongtarn to reflect honestly.
“Think back to when you were just a regular citizen. If your prime minister acted this way—cutting secret deals and undermining national interests—would you trust her to negotiate for Thailand?” he asked. “The kindest thing she could do for the country right now is to resign.”
Wiroj insisted he would not involve former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father, in the conversation, noting, “This isn’t about him. His ideas don’t help this situation, and the country needs to move forward.”
Finally, he warned that the leaked audio could be part of a foreign effort to destabilize Thailand.
“Let’s not give them what they want. This is a test of our unity, not a time for internal destruction,” he said. “The military must protect the nation’s legitimacy, not dismantle it.”
