Thousands of protestors took to the streets, expressing dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Shinawatra after a conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen surfaced, igniting public anger and political turmoil.
**Public Outcry in Bangkok: Calls for Thai PM to Resign After Controversial Leak**
**Public Outcry in Bangkok: Calls for Thai PM to Resign After Controversial Leak**
Thousands gathered in Bangkok, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra following the leak of a controversial phone call.
In the heart of Bangkok, thousands of demonstrators convened on Saturday, insisting on the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The uproar followed the leak of a phone conversation she had with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, in which she referred to him as "uncle" and critiqued a Thai military officer involved in a border dispute, describing his comments as "not useful." This revelation sparked significant public outrage and resulted in the withdrawal of a key coalition partner from her government.
Facing the backlash, Paetongtarn issued an apology but characterized the dialogue as a necessary "negotiation technique." As she headed to flood-affected regions in northern Thailand, she acknowledged the public's right to peaceful protest. However, the rally marked a notable moment, being the largest demonstration since her Pheu Thai party assumed power earlier in 2023.
Participants braved rainy conditions to gather at the Victory Monument, showcasing Thai flags and carrying placards with messages such as "PM is enemy of state." Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan insisted that the Prime Minister step down, asserting, "She is the problem." Attendee Seri Sawangmue, 70, traveled overnight from northern Thailand, voicing concerns over national sovereignty and questioning the Prime Minister's fitness for office.
In response to growing tensions, Paetongtarn announced she would no longer communicate with Hun Sen, yet many protestors believe she and her influential family are being manipulated by him. The Prime Minister, at just 38 years old, is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, the previously deposed PM. She has been in power for only ten months, taking on the role of Thailand's second female Prime Minister, following her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.
The protest was orchestrated by the United Force of the Land, comprising largely nationalist activists historically critical of Shinawatra-led administrations. They voiced concerns that the government and parliament are failing to uphold democratic values and constitutional monarchy principles. Amid banners and umbrellas shielding them from rain, attendees witnessed a rare rainbow emerge over the monument.
On Tuesday, Thailand's Constitutional Court is set to review a request from senators aiming to consider Paetongtarn's potential removal over allegations of unprofessional conduct relating to the Hun Sen call. While the phone call addressed a recent border dispute that has strained Thai-Cambodian relations, it also hinted at a broader context of historical tensions stemming from colonial-era border delineations.
Despite ongoing hostilities, the Shinawatras have maintained close ties with the Hun family, with personal connections deepening the political landscape between the two nations as both grapple with complex historical grievances and power dynamics.
