Demonstrators express their discontent, calling for an end to Shinawatra leadership amid political unrest and rising tensions with Cambodia.
Thousands Rally in Bangkok Demanding Resignation of Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Thousands Rally in Bangkok Demanding Resignation of Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Mass protests erupted in Bangkok as citizens demand accountability from the prime minister after a controversial conversation with Cambodia's former leader was leaked.
Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Bangkok, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra following the leak of a private phone call she had with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The conversation, reportedly centered on a border dispute, included remarks from Paetongtarn addressing Hun Sen as "uncle" and criticizing a Thai military general's actions as "not useful." This revelation has ignited public outrage, prompting her to issue an apology while defending the call as a "negotiation technique."
Ahead of her visit to northern Thailand, where people are grappling with flood impacts, Paetongtarn stated that peaceful protests are within citizens' rights. The rally, characterized as the largest since the Pheu Thai party assumed power in 2023, saw thousands brave adverse weather conditions at the Victory Monument, holding signs such as "PM is enemy of state." Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan emphasized the necessity for the prime minister to step down, labeling her administration as the source of the country's issues.
Supporters like 70-year-old Seri Sawangmue traveled long distances to voice their discontent. He stated, "I’m here to defend Thailand’s sovereignty and express my belief that the PM is unfit." The sentiment among protesters reflects a broader mistrust of the Shinawatra family's influence, particularly Paetongtarn's lineage as the daughter of deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who returned to Thailand after 15 years in exile.
Organized by a coalition that has opposed Shinawatra-led governments for over 20 years, the rally's message echoed concerns about whether government entities are acting in favor of democratic principles. The mood was temporarily lifted as the rain subsided to reveal a rainbow over the gathered crowds.
On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court is expected to deliberate on a petition from senators requesting Paetongtarn’s removal over perceived unprofessionalism stemming from the leaked call. Hun Sen, who shared the audio clip with an extensive political audience, later publicized the entire 17-minute conversation on social media.
The leak comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, a relationship fraught with conflict stemming from a border clash in May that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Historical disputes related to border demarcations have persisted for over a century, exacerbated by economic sanctions and cultural restrictions from both nations.
Regardless, the friendship between the Shinawatras and the Hun family has spanned decades, leading to questions about the dynamics of leadership and international relations in Thailand today.
Ahead of her visit to northern Thailand, where people are grappling with flood impacts, Paetongtarn stated that peaceful protests are within citizens' rights. The rally, characterized as the largest since the Pheu Thai party assumed power in 2023, saw thousands brave adverse weather conditions at the Victory Monument, holding signs such as "PM is enemy of state." Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan emphasized the necessity for the prime minister to step down, labeling her administration as the source of the country's issues.
Supporters like 70-year-old Seri Sawangmue traveled long distances to voice their discontent. He stated, "I’m here to defend Thailand’s sovereignty and express my belief that the PM is unfit." The sentiment among protesters reflects a broader mistrust of the Shinawatra family's influence, particularly Paetongtarn's lineage as the daughter of deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who returned to Thailand after 15 years in exile.
Organized by a coalition that has opposed Shinawatra-led governments for over 20 years, the rally's message echoed concerns about whether government entities are acting in favor of democratic principles. The mood was temporarily lifted as the rain subsided to reveal a rainbow over the gathered crowds.
On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court is expected to deliberate on a petition from senators requesting Paetongtarn’s removal over perceived unprofessionalism stemming from the leaked call. Hun Sen, who shared the audio clip with an extensive political audience, later publicized the entire 17-minute conversation on social media.
The leak comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, a relationship fraught with conflict stemming from a border clash in May that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Historical disputes related to border demarcations have persisted for over a century, exacerbated by economic sanctions and cultural restrictions from both nations.
Regardless, the friendship between the Shinawatras and the Hun family has spanned decades, leading to questions about the dynamics of leadership and international relations in Thailand today.
