Hun Sen 'masterstroke' puts PM on back foot

Thai leader's informal tone was no match for Cambodian strongman's sharp diplomacy, writes Aekarach Sattaburuth

- Aekarach Sattaburuth

Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen's masterstroke stemming from his controversial audio conversation with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has delivered a painful diplomatic lesson for Thailand, according to a popular investigative media CSI LA and a security expert.

The release this week of an audio clip of a private phone conversation between the two leaders has triggered a political firestorm, exposing profound weaknesses in Thailand's diplomatic approach and leadership structure, according to CSI LA, which posts its analysis on Facebook, where it has 1.4 million followers.

The media said that the fallout has intensified as the leaked recording has showcased a stark contrast in diplomatic maturity, marking a sharp lesson in realpolitik for the young Thai leader. The recorded dialogue, in which Ms Paetongtarn was heard placating Hun Sen over the simmering Thai-Cambodian border tensions, came across as unmistakably imbalanced.

CSI LA said that on one side, Hun Sen appeared calm, focused, and unflinchingly strategic. He made a single clear demand: “Thailand must reopen the border.”