Prime Minister of Thailand

Paetongtarn, 38, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been in office for less than a year after her predecessor was ousted by the Constitutional Court.

Prime Minister of Thailand photo image Lh dra Hin 

The border dispute with Cambodia has raised fears of a military confrontation, with both sides deploying forces in the border area. While the Thai military has taken a firm stance, Paetongtarn has been criticized for what she sees as a lack of diplomatic outreach. Paetongtarn has said she is committed to finding a peaceful solution but is ready to do whatever it takes to protect Thailand’s sovereignty.

Prime Minister of Thailand photo image 

In a leaked phone call with Cambodia on June 15, she acknowledged being under intense pressure at home and urged Mr Hun Sen “not to listen to the other side,” referring to an influential Thai general in charge of the border area. On June 18, Cambodia's Defense Ministry accused Thailand of violating its sovereignty through drone flights, trench digging and troop deployments, allegations Bangkok denied.