Bangkok has witnessed its largest protest since the Pheu Thai party assumed power, as demonstrators call for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's resignation following the controversy surrounding a leaked phone call.
Thousands Protest in Bangkok Demanding Prime Minister's Resignation
Thousands Protest in Bangkok Demanding Prime Minister's Resignation
Massive public outcry in Thailand ignited by leaked phone call with former Cambodia leader
In the heart of Bangkok, thousands of protestors have rallied to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after the emergence of a controversial phone call she had with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. During the call, leaked to the public, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as "uncle" and criticized a Thai military commander involved in a recent border conflict, stating he "just wanted to look cool,” and his comments were “not useful.” This revelation has fueled public outrage, leading a key coalition partner to withdraw support from her government.
Undeterred by monsoon rains, the protestors gathered at the Victory Monument, where they waved Thai flags and displayed signs with messages like “PM is enemy of state.” In a press statement, Paetongtarn apologized but defended her remarks as necessary negotiation tactics, claiming it is the “right of the people to protest, as long as it's peaceful.”
A 70-year-old protestor named Seri Sawangmue traveled overnight to join the demonstration, emphasizing the need to protect Thailand's sovereignty and labeling the prime minister as unsuitable for her position. Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan stated that Paetongtarn needed to resign, characterizing her as the quintessential problem facing the country.
The Prime Minister's decision to halt future communications with Hun Sen follows heightened tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, especially after the death of a Cambodian soldier in a border clash earlier this year. The ongoing conflict dates back to historic territorial disputes that emerged during the colonial era. Amid this escalating strife, both nations have imposed restrictions on each other, including bans on various imports.
Despite the backlash, Hun Sen maintained the conversation was shared with 80 political figures before being publicly leaked. He also publicly broadcast the entire 17-minute conversation on social media, exacerbating the situation.
Paetongtarn, the daughter of the exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has only held her position for 10 months and recently faced calls from the Constitutional Court to consider her ousting over her remarks during the call.
As opposition movements grow stronger, the United Force of the Land, a coalition of nationalist activists, organized the protest, relaying that the current government is failing to uphold democratic and constitutional principles. Observers noted that the Shinawatra family's long-standing relationship with Hun Sen has raised concerns about their influence over Thai politics, leading to calls for a decisive shift in leadership amidst an escalating national crisis.
Undeterred by monsoon rains, the protestors gathered at the Victory Monument, where they waved Thai flags and displayed signs with messages like “PM is enemy of state.” In a press statement, Paetongtarn apologized but defended her remarks as necessary negotiation tactics, claiming it is the “right of the people to protest, as long as it's peaceful.”
A 70-year-old protestor named Seri Sawangmue traveled overnight to join the demonstration, emphasizing the need to protect Thailand's sovereignty and labeling the prime minister as unsuitable for her position. Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan stated that Paetongtarn needed to resign, characterizing her as the quintessential problem facing the country.
The Prime Minister's decision to halt future communications with Hun Sen follows heightened tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, especially after the death of a Cambodian soldier in a border clash earlier this year. The ongoing conflict dates back to historic territorial disputes that emerged during the colonial era. Amid this escalating strife, both nations have imposed restrictions on each other, including bans on various imports.
Despite the backlash, Hun Sen maintained the conversation was shared with 80 political figures before being publicly leaked. He also publicly broadcast the entire 17-minute conversation on social media, exacerbating the situation.
Paetongtarn, the daughter of the exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has only held her position for 10 months and recently faced calls from the Constitutional Court to consider her ousting over her remarks during the call.
As opposition movements grow stronger, the United Force of the Land, a coalition of nationalist activists, organized the protest, relaying that the current government is failing to uphold democratic and constitutional principles. Observers noted that the Shinawatra family's long-standing relationship with Hun Sen has raised concerns about their influence over Thai politics, leading to calls for a decisive shift in leadership amidst an escalating national crisis.
