Global Politics Explainer

CWA # 1738
Global Politics Explainer
Thailand and Cambodia
What was the phone call between PM Shinawatra and President of Senate Hun Sen? What is the border dispute between the two? Why has this become an issue?

Fleur Elizabeth Philip
4 July 2025

Photo Source: GoogleMap

On 18 June, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called Cambodia’s President of the Senate, Hun Sen, where they discussed the border dispute in the Preah Vihear region. The call was leaked, and their discussion was posted on Facebook by Hun Sen, which was later denied. 

In the call, Shinawatra refers to Sen as “uncle,” and slams her military for allegedly escalating the border issue. The phone call has caused widespread anger in Thailand among the people and the government.  

What is the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia?
Since 1941, the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has been going on, when Thailand seized the Preah Vihear and other areas in the Emerald triangle region as part of their wartime alliance with Japan. The Preah Vihear was built in the 11th century, under the Khmer Empire. The Khmers were direct descendants of the Cambodians, and according to them, the Preah Vihear region was their birthright. Following Cambodia’s independence from France in 1954, Thai troops moved into Preah Vihear, claiming it as theirs. In response to this, five years later, Cambodia filed a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1959, severing all ties to Thailand. The decision from the ICJ was not significant and did not take into consideration the cultural sentiments. Presently, the conflict remains unresolved. 

On 28 May 2025, there was a brief exchange of fire at dawn, killing two Cambodian soldiers. To avoid further escalation, military leaders of Thailand and Cambodia held several talks to resolve the issue, but there has been no development on that front. There have also been increased reinforcements from both sides in the region. Following the incident, Hun Sen, on social media, accused Thailand of encroaching on the Cambodian side, killing their soldiers, and reminiscing various temples. He claimed that this issue could escalate like the war in Gaza, as the bilateral 2000 MoU framework is outdated, leaving Cambodia’s parliament no other choice but to go to the ICJ. On 15 June, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet, in a letter to the Hague, requested the intervention of the ICJ, but Thailand does not recognize the ICJ's jurisdiction, and said that they could resolve the dispute amongst themselves. 

What is the response from the public and the government?
In Cambodia, more than 10,000 people gathered at Phnom Penh on a “Solidarity March,” showcasing their support to the government as well as to the troops at the border.  The march was organized by the Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many, where they carried pictures of Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet, his father, Hun Sen, and the Cambodian flag, and marched to the Independence Monument, located at the heart of the capital. This march was conducted following the leaked call. Hun Sen has called out Thailand for the return of their people, and has threatened to cut off all imports coming from Thailand, which include oil, natural gas, alcohol, and meat. 

In Thailand, hundreds of anti-government protesters, otherwise known as the yellow t-shirt group, have taken over the streets of Bangkok, calling out for the resignation of PM Shinawatra. The leaked phone call has sparked anger among the people, and accused the leader of “lacking diplomatic skills, and endangering national security.” The public raised Thai flags and had placards with them stating “traitor.” They have also called for another election. Additionally, the second largest coalition party, Bhumjaithai Party, has exited that coalition, accusing her of undermining the country and making snide remarks on the military. In response to this, Shinawatra has made a public apology for the same. She rejects all the calls for her resignation by stating that she has the support of her coalition government. She said that she will tackle all the challenges the national security and sovereignty, starting with an intense crackdown on scam compounds at the border.  

What does this mean for the two countries? 
For Thailand and Cambodia, the leaked phone call would damage the diplomatic ties between the two countries. Shinawatra said that this act was a breach of protocol and personal confidence. The call also risks damaging the diplomatic ties between the two countries, affecting the trade relationship. Shinawatra said the phone call was a strategy, a negotiating trick used to ease the border tensions, but the border conflict remains as it is, and the Thai government is damaged further.  

References
“Big blow for Thailand’s PM as major party exits coalition,” The Straits Times, 18 June 2025
William J. Jones, “Military Clashes, Private Conversation and the Ongoing Cambodia-Thailand Border Dispute,” Modern Diplomacy, 21 June 2025
John D. Ciorciari, “Thailand and Cambodia: The Battle for Preah Vihear,” Spice Digest, 2009
"Cambodians rally over Thai border spat as leaders row over leaked call," The Straits Times, 18 June 2025
"Cambodians rush to stockpile Thai fuel, bottled water amid supply cut-off fears," The Straits Times, 22 June 2025
“Thai PM sparks turmoil after criticising military in leaked audio,” The Straits Times, 19 June 2025
"Thailand army's pivotal role in politics," BBC, 22 May 2014


 

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