UBON RATCHATHANI, Thailand — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will travel to Ubon Ratchathani on Friday, June 20, 2025, to meet with troops stationed along the Thai-Cambodian border and hold talks with Second Army Area Commander Lt Gen Boonsin Phadklang. The visit comes in the wake of a leaked private conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, in which Paetongtarn allegedly criticized Lt Gen Boonsin, sparking controversy and prompting her to clarify her remarks.
During a press conference in Bangkok on Thursday afternoon, Paetongtarn appeared alongside senior military leaders and top security officials to address the leaked conversation. She issued a public apology, explaining that her comments were part of a diplomatic negotiation strategy aimed at easing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, particularly in the sensitive Emerald Triangle region.
“My words were taken out of context,” Paetongtarn said. “They were part of a broader effort to foster cooperation with Cambodia and ensure stability in the border area. I deeply regret any misunderstanding caused.”
The prime minister spoke about her respect for Thailand’s armed forces and their role in safeguarding national security. She reiterated her commitment to supporting troops stationed in border regions, where cross-border issues such as smuggling and territorial disputes have historically posed challenges.
Paetongtarn’s trip to Ubon Ratchathani is expected to focus on reinforcing unity between her administration and the military. Her meeting with Lt Gen Boonsin, who oversees security operations in Thailand’s northeastern region, aims to dispel any tensions arising from the leaked conversation. Sources close to the government say the prime minister will use the visit to reaffirm her confidence in the Second Army Area’s leadership and discuss strategies to enhance border security and cooperation with Cambodia.
The Thai-Cambodian border, particularly around the Preah Vihear Temple, has been a flashpoint in the past, with disputes over territory straining bilateral relations. Paetongtarn’s government has prioritized diplomacy to prevent escalation and promote economic collaboration in the region, which includes the Emerald Triangle, a tri-border area connecting Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
Following Thursday’s press conference, Paetongtarn continued her schedule, visiting the 904 Royal Volunteers Training Center in Bangkok to meet with volunteers and review community development programs. Her decision to maintain her public engagements signals her intent to move past the controversy and focus on her administration’s priorities, including national security, regional diplomacy, and domestic development.
The leaked conversation with Hun Sen, a key figure in Cambodian politics, has drawn significant attention on social media platforms like X, where users have debated the implications for Thai-Cambodian relations. Some posts expressed support for Paetongtarn’s diplomatic efforts, while others called for greater transparency in government communications. The prime minister’s office has not commented on the source of the leak, but officials have vowed to investigate the matter.
Paetongtarn, Thailand’s youngest prime minister and leader of the Pheu Thai Party, assumed office in August 2024 following the Constitutional Court’s dismissal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin. As the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, she has faced scrutiny over her political inexperience and family legacy. Her handling of this controversy will likely be seen as a test of her leadership and ability to navigate complex diplomatic and domestic challenges.
Thailand’s northeastern provinces, including Ubon Ratchathani, are a stronghold of Pheu Thai support.
Photo credit Ing Shin X.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
