Bangkok, Thailand — Political tensions flared in Thailand on Saturday as thousands of protesters gathered in central Bangkok, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra amid a deepening controversy sparked by a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
The rally, held near the iconic Victory Monument, drew an estimated 6,000 demonstrators, according to Bangkok police. Despite heavy rain, protesters waved Thai flags, carried placards, and chanted nationalist slogans, expressing outrage over Paetongtarn’s handling of a recent border clash with Cambodia and her remarks in the leaked call.
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The controversy stems from a May 28 armed confrontation in a disputed border area, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. In the leaked recording, Paetongtarn appeared to speak critically of a Thai regional military commander while attempting to reassure Hun Sen, now president of Cambodia’s Senate. The conversation has since triggered public backlash and formal investigations that could potentially lead to her removal from office.
“From the heart of a Thai citizen, we’ve never had a prime minister this weak,” said Tatchakorn Srisuwan, a protester from Surat Thani. “We don’t seek conflict, but we will protect Thailand’s sovereignty.”
Saturday’s demonstration was organized by the United Force of the Land, a nationalist coalition that has opposed Shinawatra-backed governments for nearly two decades. Though previous protests did not directly unseat governments, they played a key role in the events that led to the military coups of 2006 and 2014.
The growing political crisis poses a serious challenge for Paetongtarn, who has only recently taken office, and threatens to further undermine Thailand’s fragile post-pandemic economic recovery.
Despite the unrest, Paetongtarn appeared unfazed, telling reporters that she respected the protesters’ right to assemble and had instructed authorities to ensure the rally remained peaceful.
As investigations into the leaked call continue, the pressure on her administration is expected to intensify in the coming days.
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