Bangkok protests, Iran airstrikes, and stupid old men

With a leaked call sparking protests in Thailand, Cambodia’s Hun Sen is taking an unnecessary risk for a doubtful outcome. But the uncomfortable truth is that at least half the wars start for reasons no more profound than this.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, left, is facing calls for her resignation after a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen. Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Opinion

BY GWYNNE DYER

June 30, 2025

LONDON, U.K.—Leading an entire country for a few years is a steep learning curve, but it’s useful experience. Being in power for a dozen years makes most leaders arrogant and careless, but some remain more or less functional. Being in power for more than 30 years just ma...

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