Confidence in Thailand has been deeply shaken after a Cambodian ploy exposed a private conversation between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and the President of the Cambodian Senate, Hun Sen, leading to a divisive atmosphere among Thai citizens. The below-the-belt move by Thailand’s neighbour reflect unprofessionalism and a breach in international practices between world’s leaders.
The Incident
This leak has sparked concerns over Thai sovereignty, stemming from the edited audio purportedly released by Hun Sen to his trusted circle, which has proven to be unreliable. Disregarding the perpetrator behind this leak, Hun Sen shows no contrition over the breach of private communication and seems determined to share what he claimed to be the “entire” 17-minute audio recording.
Amid rising tensions in recent weeks, the Royal Thai Army has bolstered its presence in border provinces, overseeing crossings and altering crossing schedules while restricting certain goods. The army has advised Thai citizens against crossing the borders and has banned crossings related to casinos and tourism. The recent strains have heavily affected casino businesses near the border, underscoring their dependence on cross-border activity.
In response, the Cambodian “President of Senate” seeks to destabilize Thailand from within, looking for ways to leverage the situation.
Breaching International Practices
Cambodia’s decision to leak a private conversation represents a stark deviation from international diplomatic practices and reflects poorly on its professionalism. Such actions are not only a blatant violation of diplomatic norms but also display an uncivilized disregard for the integrity of sovereign communications. By publicizing private dialogues, Cambodia not only undermines established international protocols but also tarnishes its diplomatic reputation on the world stage.
This act diminishes trust and mutual respect, which are foundational elements of international relations. In response, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has expressed strong disapproval of the action and formally summoned the Cambodian ambassador to express its concerns, highlighting the urgent need for adherence to the fundamental principles of diplomacy.
Now, world leaders are thinking twice before making any contact with Cambodia.
Thailand’s Action
Prime Minister Paetongtarn apologized on Thursday for the leaked conversation, explaining it was recorded and disseminated without her consent. She reassured that her government stands ready to support the Thai military comprehensively.
Air Chief Marshal Surapol Navamavadhana, a former UN military observer and ICT advisor, warns the Thai public against falling victim to a psychological warfare campaign. He suggests the clip is a deliberate attempt to undermine public trust, create internal division, and potentially lead to a coup d’état, which he argues would disadvantage Thailand internationally. He stresses the importance of rational thought over emotional, considering that the audio was cut.
On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reaffirmed the military’s steadfast backing of the government’s efforts to address tensions with Cambodia. He cautioned that any moves to push Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra into stepping down would likely play into Cambodia’s hands.
Unity
During times of external challenges, Thailand’s strength lies in its ability to unite and rise above differences. History teaches that the nation’s resilience and cohesion are vital to maintaining stability and fostering progress. By coming together as one, Thailand can effectively navigate current uncertainties and continue to secure a prosperous future.
