Protests signal growing dissatisfaction with government leadership amid ongoing border disputes with Cambodia.
Massive Protests Erupt in Bangkok Demanding Resignation of PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Massive Protests Erupt in Bangkok Demanding Resignation of PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Thousands take to the streets of the Thai capital following a leaked phone conversation igniting public outrage.
In a dramatic turn of events, thousands of protestors gathered in Bangkok this weekend, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after a controversial phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen was leaked to the public. The leak revealed an unsettling exchange in which Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as "uncle" and criticized a Thai military commander's handling of recent border disputes, claiming he was merely attempting to appear impressive without contributing meaningful dialogue.
The fallout from the call has been swift; public outrage and demonstrations surged, prompting a major party within her ruling coalition to withdraw its support. Although Paetongtarn has extended an apology, she defends the call's content as a valid "negotiation technique." In response to the protests, she stated her acknowledgment of citizens' rights to peaceful assembly, even as she headed to the flood-stricken regions in northern Thailand.
Saturday marked one of the largest protests since the Pheu Thai party assumed power in 2023. Demonstrators braved torrential rain, congregating at the Victory Monument with Thai flags and placards bearing messages like, "PM is enemy of the state." Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan emphatically declared that Paetongtarn must resign, asserting, "She is the problem."
Among the crowd was 70-year-old Seri Sawangmue, who had traveled overnight from northern Thailand to join the protests. Expressing concerns for his country's sovereignty, he stated, "I've lived through many political crises and I know where this is going." He, along with many others, believes the Shinawatras are allowing themselves to be manipulated by Hun Sen.
Paetongtarn, 38, is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former premier exiled for 15 years, marking her as Thailand's second female prime minister. The protests have highlighted deep-rooted nationalistic sentiments, with calls emerging for the termination of Shinawatra leadership. The United Force of the Land, a coalition of nationalistic activists, coordinated the rally, criticizing the executive and parliament for failing to act in the spirit of democracy and constitutional monarchy.
As protestors shielded themselves from the rain with umbrellas, a rainbow appeared over the Victory Monument, symbolizing hope amid rising political tensions. In the aftermath, the Constitutional Court is expected to address a petition initiated by senators seeking to remove Paetongtarn over alleged unprofessionalism related to her comments during the leaked call.
The controversy stems from longstanding territorial disputes between Cambodia and Thailand, amplified in recent months following a border incident that resulted in a fatality. Despite the ongoing disputes, the Shinawatras maintain a long-standing relationship with the Hun family, complicating the political landscape in Thailand.
