Protests Erupt in Bangkok as Thai PM Faces Calls to Resign Over Controversial Phone Call

Massive protests occur amid accusations of unprofessionalism and national sovereignty concerns, prompting calls for political accountability against the Shinawatra legacy.

Bangkok has witnessed its largest rally in recent months as thousands gathered to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The protest was ignited by the leak of a phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, wherein she referred to him as "uncle" and dismissed a Thai military commander's recent statements as merely “looking cool” and “not useful.” The backlash from this call has sparked significant public ire, leading to the resignation of a key partner from her governing coalition.

In an effort to quell anger, Paetongtarn issued an apology but insisted that her words were merely a "negotiation technique." While visiting flood-stricken areas of northern Thailand, she maintained that peaceful protest is a basic right of the Thai people. The rally, which took place at the Victory Monument war memorial, saw demonstrators defy heavy rain, brandishing Thai flags and placards with slogans including "PM is enemy of state."

Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan asserted that Paetongtarn should step down, labeling her as the root of the problem within the government. Meanwhile, 70-year-old protester Seri Sawangmue, who traveled overnight to join the demonstration, expressed his concern for Thailand’s sovereignty and voiced that the prime minister is "unfit" for her role.

Despite Paetongtarn’s promise to cease phone communications with Hun Sen, many protestors believe that she and her influential father, Thaksin Shinawatra, are being puppeteered by him. Paetongtarn, who has been in office for just ten months and is the second female prime minister in Thai history, is the daughter of the former leader who returned from exile last year.

The protest was organized by the United Force of the Land, a coalition of nationalists opposed to Shinawatra-led governments. In a publicly read statement, they criticized the executive and legislative branches for failing to operate in favor of democracy and constitutional monarchy.

On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court will deliberate on whether to address a petition from senators calling for Paetongtarn’s removal for alleged unprofessionalism linked to the leaked conversation with Hun Sen. The tension between Cambodia and Thailand has historical roots, further exacerbated by recent border disputes. Despite the complications, the familial bonds between the Shinawatras and the Hun family have remained intact over decades, with Hun Sen openly sharing the recorded conversation on his social media.