Tens of thousands of Thais have rallied against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok, fueled by anger over a controversial phone call with Hun Sen, leading to calls for her resignation.
Protests Erupt in Bangkok Demanding Thai PM's Resignation Amid Controversial Phone Call
Protests Erupt in Bangkok Demanding Thai PM's Resignation Amid Controversial Phone Call
Public uproar follows leaked call between PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Bangkok on Saturday, insisting that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra step down after a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen drew sharp criticism. In the leaked call, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” while discussing a border incident, labeling a Thai military commander's remarks as "not useful". This interaction sparked outrage among citizens, prompting the prime minister to apologize but argue her comments constituted a "negotiation technique".
Before embarking on a trip to areas impacted by flooding in northern Thailand, Paetongtarn acknowledged the people's right to peaceful protest amid escalating unrest. The demonstration at the Victory Monument became the largest anti-government gathering since the Pheu Thai party assumed power in 2023, with protesters braving torrential rain, holding Thai flags and signs that read “PM is enemy of state”.
Among the protestors was 70-year-old Seri Sawangmue, who traveled from northern Thailand, expressing concerns over national sovereignty and labeling the PM as "unfit" for office. Paetongtarn, at only 38, is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister ousted in a coup, and has been in her role for just ten months.
The protest was organized by a coalition opposing Shinawatra-led administrations for over two decades, highlighting sentiments that the government is failing to serve democracy and constitutional monarchy interests. As protesters braved the rain, a rainbow symbolically appeared over the Victory Monument in a poignant moment.
On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court is set to review a petition from senators concerning Paetongtarn's alleged unprofessionalism linked to the leaked conversation. The phone call, detailing a border conflict that heightens centuries-old tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, elicited scrutiny, particularly following Hun Sen's distribution of the audio to fellow politicians.
Despite strained bilateral relations, the Shinawatra family's ties with the Hun family run deep, complicating the political landscape for the current Thai government as it faces mounting pressure to address public discontent.
