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Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Amid Ethics Probe Over Leaked Phone Calls

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Bangkok, Thailand — Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s embattled 38-year-old prime minister, was suspended from her role on Tuesday following a Constitutional Court decision to launch an ethics investigation over a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former strongman, Hun Sen. The scandal has thrown the Southeast Asian nation back into political turmoil just 10 months after Paetongtarn assumed office.

The Constitutional Court voted to temporarily suspend her from prime ministerial duties while it deliberates on whether she breached ethical standards laid out in Thailand’s constitution. Paetongtarn will, however, remain in the Cabinet as culture minister following a recent reshuffle.

RELATED NEWS : Thai Prime Minister Faces Resignation Calls Amid Cambodia Phone Call Controversy

The suspension follows a petition filed by 36 senators, who accused Paetongtarn of undermining national interests in a phone call that was later authenticated by both Thai and Cambodian officials. The conversation, held on June 15, occurred amid rising tensions over a deadly border clash that left one Cambodian soldier dead.

In the leaked audio, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and appeared to criticize her own military, suggesting Hun Sen should disregard statements from a senior Thai army commander in the northeast. She also assured Hun Sen that if he “wants anything,” he should ask her directly — remarks that critics say amounted to compromising Thailand’s sovereignty.

Public reaction has been swift and fierce. Anti-government protests erupted in Bangkok over the weekend, with demonstrators demanding her resignation. The controversy also triggered the withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai party — a key coalition partner — further weakening Paetongtarn’s governing Pheu Thai party ahead of a looming no-confidence vote in parliament.

In a press conference following the ruling, Paetongtarn defended her intentions:

“I acted for the country, to protect our sovereignty, to safeguard the lives of our soldiers, and to preserve peace,” she said. “I apologize to all my fellow Thais who may feel uneasy or upset about this matter.”

She also sought to clarify the nature of the conversation, calling it a “negotiation tactic” and claiming it was never meant to be public. “It was a private call aimed at defusing tensions, not a statement of allegiance,” she added.

Thailand and Cambodia share a long and sometimes volatile border stretching over 800 kilometers. While the two nations have cooperated economically and diplomatically in recent years, disputes — particularly over demarcation and historical grievances — have flared into deadly clashes on several occasions.

Paetongtarn’s political future remains uncertain. She took office after the court ousted her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, for a separate ethics violation. The same court also controversially dissolved the Move Forward Party — Thailand’s most-voted party in the 2023 general election — and banned its leaders from politics for a decade.

With public trust eroding, coalition support wavering, and an ethics ruling pending, Paetongtarn now faces her toughest political test yet — one that could define the next chapter of Thai politics.


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A week of heavy rains and floods across Pakistan kills 46 people including 13 family members

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Peshawar, Pakistan — Nearly a week of heavy monsoon rains and flash floods across Pakistan has killed at least 46 people and injured dozens, officials said Monday.

The fatalities caused by abnormally strong downpours since Tuesday include 22 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 13 in eastern Punjab province, seven in southern Sindh, and four in southwestern Balochistan, the National Disaster Management Authority and provincial emergency officials said.

“We are expecting above-normal rains during the monsoon season and alerts have been issued to the concerned authorities to take precautionary measures,” said Irfan Virk, a Pakistan Meteorological Department deputy director.

Virk said that forecasters cannot rule out a repeat of extreme weather like the devastating floods in 2022. Rains inundated a third of the country, killing 1,737 people and causing widespread destruction.

The deaths from the past week include 13 tourists from a family of 17 who were swept away Friday. The other four family members were rescued from the flooded Swat River in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Rescuers found 12 bodies from the group and divers continued searching Monday for the remaining victim, said Bilal Faizi, a provincial emergency service spokesman.

The incident drew widespread condemnation online over what many called a slow response by emergency services.

On Sunday, the National Disaster Management Authority had warned of potential hazards and advised people against crossing rivers and streams.


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Germany to Boost Ukraine’s Weapons Production to Strengthen Peace Talks Stance Amid Escalating Russian Attacks

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Kyiv, Ukraine — Germany will help Ukraine accelerate domestic weapons production to bolster its position in ongoing but stalled peace efforts with Russia, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced Monday during a high-level visit to Kyiv alongside defense industry leaders.

“We see our task as helping Ukraine so that it can negotiate more strongly,” Wadephul said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The initiative includes the establishment of joint ventures aimed at rapidly increasing Ukraine’s arms manufacturing capabilities, as the country faces mounting pressure on the front lines and surging aerial attacks from Russia.

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Wadephul emphasized that the initiative is not just about delivering equipment but forging long-term, mutually beneficial defense ties. “Our arms cooperation is a real trump card. With your experience and ingenuity, we will both become stronger,” he said.

The visit comes less than 48 hours after Russia launched its largest aerial assault to date, deploying 107 drones overnight, according to Ukraine’s air force. Devastating strikes in the northeastern Kharkiv region killed two civilians and wounded eight others, including a child.

Wadephul harshly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s posture on peace, calling it a “façade” and accusing him of using peace rhetoric as a smokescreen for continued aggression. “When Putin speaks of peace today, it is pure mockery,” he said.

Ukraine continues to endure a brutal war of attrition along its 1,000-kilometer front, with Russian forces intensifying attacks on civilian areas. The Institute for the Study of War noted that Russia is using increasing numbers of Shahed drones and decoys to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses and pave the way for missile strikes.

Germany has already been Ukraine’s second-largest military supporter after the United States. However, with U.S. aid facing political uncertainty, Berlin’s role has taken on greater urgency. Kyiv has pressed for more air defense systems, which Ukrainian officials say are key to protecting civilians and preventing panic.

Sybiha reiterated Ukraine’s urgent need for more anti-missile systems and thanked Berlin for its current contributions. “They are attacking civilian targets to influence public sentiment. The key is air defense,” he stressed.

While Germany has resisted sending Taurus long-range missiles over fears of escalating the war, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to help Ukraine develop its own long-range capabilities without Western-imposed restrictions — a potential turning point in Ukraine’s strategic autonomy.

Wadephul is also expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit, as Ukraine looks to reinforce international partnerships amid worsening battlefield conditions and a deepening humanitarian crisis.


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At least 37 people killed in a bus collision in a remote part of Tanzania

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Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania — Dozens of people were killed when two buses collided and burst into flames in a remote part of northern Tanzania, officials said.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed deep sorrow in a statement Sunday following the crash that killed at least 37 people and left 30 others injured.

The collision happened on Saturday evening in the Sabasaba area along the Moshi–Tanga highway in the Kilimanjaro region. The identities and nationalities of the victims weren’t immediately known.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu, the bereaved families, relatives, and friends,” Hassan said in a statement. “May God grant peace to the souls of the departed and a quick recovery to the injured. May He comfort and strengthen their families during this difficult time.”

The president called for stricter road safety adherence, saying such tragedies continue to take a toll on Tanzanian families.

Tanzania’s government has made repeated calls in recent years to curb road fatalities, which persist despite various safety campaigns.


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Global Leaders Gather in Spain Amid U.S. Absence to Tackle $4 Trillion Development Crisis

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Barcelona, Spain — With the gap between rich and poor nations widening at an alarming pace, over 12,000 delegates including heads of state, ministers, and civil society representatives convened in Seville on Monday for the United Nations’ high-level Financing for Development conference. The event, co-hosted by the UN and Spain, aims to generate trillions in global investment and restore momentum toward achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

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Despite the absence of the United States—a former top donor now drastically scaling back humanitarian aid—leaders from Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia are rallying to confront the deepening global financing crisis. The situation is dire: debt is mounting, international aid is shrinking, trade barriers are rising, and private investment is in retreat.

“Financing is the engine of development. And right now, this engine is sputtering,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned in his opening remarks. “We are here in Seville to change course—to repair and rev up the engine of development.”

This marks the first time the conference is being held in Europe. It will be officially opened by Guterres, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and King Felipe VI. High-profile participants include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The conference’s flagship outcome, the Seville Commitment, already touted by organizers as a landmark achievement, is expected to emphasize flexible financing tools and debt relief strategies—seen as essential to closing the estimated $4 trillion annual development gap.

The gathering comes at a pivotal moment. The last conference of this scale was held in Addis Ababa in 2015, coinciding with the adoption of the SDGs. With just five years left to meet those global targets, many hope Seville can deliver the political will—and financial means—to get the world back on track.


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China Expands Social Security Support Amid Worsening Flood Crisis and Extreme Rainfall

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Beijing, China — In response to growing public concern and mounting climate challenges, China has announced an expansion of its economic safeguards and social security measures for populations affected by flood diversion schemes, as the country faces increasingly extreme rainfall and flooding.

Under revised compensation rules released late Friday, the central government will now cover 70% of compensation funds for people and property impacted by official flood diversions, with local governments responsible for the remaining 30%. This marks a major shift from the previous system, where compensation ratios varied based on the financial condition of local authorities and actual damage incurred.

RELATED NEWS : Breaking: Flash Floods Kill 18 Family Members in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

For the first time, livestock and poultry that cannot be evacuated in time before the arrival of diverted floodwaters will be eligible for compensation. Previously, only the loss of working animals—such as oxen and horses—was covered, leaving farmers bearing the brunt of personal and economic losses.

Rising Social Tensions Over Flood Control Tactics

Flood diversion, a long-established method in China to prevent catastrophic flooding in urban centers, often involves directing excess water into designated rural zones next to rivers. Many of these areas have been repurposed or inhabited over the years, leading to heightened social tensions when homes and farmlands are deliberately flooded.

In summer 2023, over one million people in Hebei province, adjacent to Beijing, were forcibly relocated after historic rainfall led authorities to flood populated rural zones to protect the capital. The move, though deemed necessary by officials, triggered public anger and demands for accountability and support.

China currently has 98 designated flood diversion zones, mainly concentrated along major rivers such as the Yangtze, which supports nearly one-third of the country’s population. During the 2023 Hebei floods alone, eight flood storage areas were activated.

Unprecedented Rainfall Raises the Stakes

This year’s East Asian monsoon season, which began in early June, has already seen double the usual rainfall in parts of the middle and lower Yangtze River basin, according to the China Meteorological Administration. In provinces like Hubei and Guizhou, more than 30 weather stations recorded all-time June rainfall records.

In Guizhou province, one city experienced flooding that meteorologists described as a “once-in-50-years” event, with water levels rising so rapidly that even local officials were caught off guard. The flood affected nearly 300,000 residents, further pressing Beijing to act.

On Thursday, the Chinese government pledged to relocate vulnerable populations and industries to lower-risk zones and expand areas designated for flood diversion to better manage future disasters.

A Step Toward Equitable Recovery

The latest policy revision signals a more centralized and proactive approach to disaster response in China, reflecting a shift toward greater accountability and recognition of the human cost of climate-related decisions.

Analysts say that while the new compensation scheme won’t undo past damage, it could help restore public trust, ease rural-urban tensions, and prepare China for the increasing impacts of climate change and extreme weather.


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Congo and Rwanda Sign U.S.-Brokered Peace Agreement to End Decades of Conflict

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Washington, D.C. — In a landmark move to end one of Africa’s longest-running and deadliest conflicts, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement on Friday in Washington. The deal, hailed by American officials as a historic step, is also expected to bolster U.S. access to critical minerals in eastern Congo, an area rich in resources but plagued by violence.

The signing ceremony, held at the State Department’s Treaty Room under a portrait of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, was followed by remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who described the deal as a turning point for Central Africa.

“Today, the violence and destruction come to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope, opportunity, harmony, and peace,” Trump said, addressing the foreign ministers of Congo and Rwanda during a meeting at the White House.

A Conflict Decades in the Making

Eastern Congo has been embroiled in armed conflict since the 1990s, with more than 100 armed groups involved, including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The violence has claimed the lives of more than 6 million people through fighting, famine, and disease, making it one of the deadliest crises since World War II.

Despite the deal, many analysts and observers remain cautious. The M23 group, one of the most powerful rebel factions, has not recognized the agreement and insists it does not apply to them. Their exclusion raises doubts about the deal’s immediate impact on the ground.

“This agreement ignores war crimes and justice for victims by forcing a partnership between the victim and the aggressor,” said Christian Moleka, a political scientist at Congolese think tank Dypol. “Without justice and reparations, there can be no lasting peace.”

Terms of the Agreement

The peace deal includes commitments from both nations to respect each other’s territorial integrity, a prohibition on hostilities, and a framework for the disarmament, disengagement, and conditional reintegration of non-state armed groups.

It also carries a strong economic dimension, with the U.S. eyeing access to Congo’s critical mineral reserves, essential for global technology and defense industries. These include cobalt, lithium, and tantalum, minerals that are also a central part of growing geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China in Africa.

The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates Congo’s untapped mineral wealth could be worth up to $24 trillion. While Congo sees the U.S. as a valuable strategic partner, critics warn the deal may prioritize American interests over meaningful peacebuilding.

Diplomats Express Cautious Optimism

Congo’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed the agreement and expressed both optimism and caution.

“Some wounds will heal, but they will never fully disappear,” Wagner said. “Those who have suffered the most are watching. We cannot fail them.”

Nduhungirehe acknowledged past failed peace attempts and called for sustained international support. Both ministers, along with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, thanked Qatar for facilitating months of behind-the-scenes negotiations.

Skepticism on the Ground

In Congo’s North Kivu province, the heart of the ongoing conflict, many expressed cautious hope but demanded accountability.

“I don’t think the Americans should be trusted 100%,” said Hope Muhinuka, an activist in the region. “It’s up to us to capitalize on this moment.”

Meanwhile, the M23 rebels, who currently control large swaths of eastern Congo and have displaced 7 million people, have said the agreement is irrelevant to them.

“Anything regarding us, done without us, is against us,” said M23 leader Corneille Nangaa, reiterating the group’s demand for direct negotiations.

Historic Roots and Lingering Tensions

The roots of the conflict trace back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, in which an estimated 800,000 people — mostly ethnic Tutsis — were killed. After the genocide, nearly 2 million Hutus, including suspected perpetrators, fled to Congo. Rwanda has long accused Congo of harboring genocidaires, while Congo accuses Rwanda of exploiting its territory and supporting rebel groups like M23.

Despite Friday’s deal, Rwanda maintains a military presence in eastern Congo, officially described as a “defensive measure.” It remains unclear whether Rwanda will now withdraw its troops as part of the agreement.

What’s Next?

While President Trump warned of “very severe penalties” for any violations of the deal, the success of the agreement will depend on its implementation, the response of non-signatory rebel groups, and the political will of both governments.

Congo hopes that U.S. support will translate into military and logistical backing to help dislodge rebels from key cities like Goma and Bukavu, and restore lasting peace in a region that has known little of it for more than 30 years.

For now, the deal represents a diplomatic breakthrough — but whether it can stop the bloodshed remains to be seen.


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Massive Rally in Belgrade Demands Early Elections Amid Mounting Pressure on Serbian President Vucic

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Belgrade, Serbia — Tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Serbia’s capital on Saturday, demanding early parliamentary elections and an end to what they describe as a decade of authoritarian rule under President Aleksandar Vucic. The massive turnout marked a significant moment in a protest movement that has stretched for nearly eight months, shaking the political foundation of the Balkan state.

Chanting “We want elections!”, the crowd packed Slavija Square and spilled into surrounding blocks in central Belgrade, creating a sea of Serbian flags and protest banners. Organizers said the demonstration, led by university students, aimed to pressure Vucic into calling early elections — a demand he and his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) have so far flatly rejected.

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The protest movement began after a tragic November 1 train station roof collapse killed 16 people, an incident widely blamed on corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects. Since then, recurring protests have drawn attention to broader concerns over government accountability, media freedom, and democratic backsliding.

“We are here today because we cannot take it anymore,” said Darko Kovacevic, a protester from Novi Sad. “Corruption is everywhere, and no one is held accountable.”

Rising Tensions and Counter-Rallies

Tensions escalated in the lead-up to the rally. Earlier in the day, Vucic’s party bused in supporters from across Serbia, many donning T-shirts reading “We won’t give up Serbia.” These loyalists have been camped in Belgrade’s city center since mid-March in a counter-demonstration effort organized by the ruling party.

Despite government claims that protest numbers were waning, the turnout on Saturday appeared to reinvigorate the movement, signaling enduring public frustration. Serbian police, controlled by the interior ministry under Vucic’s government, estimated 36,000 attendees at the rally’s start, though independent observers suggested the number was significantly higher.

In a show of defiance, Vucic appeared unfazed, continuing with official duties including the presentation of presidential awards to public figures. Speaking to reporters, he said, “The state will be defended, and thugs will be brought to justice.”

Repression and Accusations

Authorities have stepped up pressure on activists, universities, and independent media in recent months. Earlier this week, several people were arrested on accusations of plotting to overthrow the government, while travel bans were imposed on individuals from Croatia and Montenegro, including a prominent theater director.

In what critics labeled a deliberate attempt to suppress turnout, Serbia’s railway company suspended train services due to an unverified bomb threat, a move reminiscent of similar tactics used during the March 15 rally — then the largest protest in Serbia’s recent history.

Some protesters allege that sonic weapons were used by police in March to disperse crowds, an accusation the government denies.

Symbolic Date and Nationalist Undertones

The rally coincided with St. Vitus Day, a significant national holiday commemorating a 14th-century battle against the Ottoman Empire. While some speakers evoked historical and nationalist themes, others focused on democratic renewal and the need for transparency.

Analysts say the rally demonstrates the protest movement’s persistence despite intimidation tactics and state control over much of Serbia’s media landscape.

Background and Outlook

Vucic, a former ultranationalist who later embraced a pro-EU stance, has been accused by rights groups of eroding democratic institutions while forging stronger ties with Russia and China. Though Serbia’s presidential and parliamentary elections are not scheduled until 2027, protestors insist the time for change is now.

Whether the movement can force early elections remains uncertain, but Saturday’s display of unity and defiance sends a clear message: discontent with the status quo is growing — and it’s not going away.


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Suicide Bombing Near Afghan Border Kills 13 Pakistani Soldiers, Injures Dozens in North Waziristan

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Islamabad, Pakistan — At least 13 Pakistani soldiers were killed and dozens injured, including civilians, in a devastating suicide bombing in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near the Afghan border, local media reported on Saturday.

The attack targeted a military convoy in Khadi Market, located in Mir Ali, North Waziristan. According to Khyber Chronicles, which cited security sources, the suicide bomber detonated explosives near a bomb disposal vehicle belonging to the 22 Frontier Force Regiment.

RELATED NEWS : Breaking: Flash Floods Kill 18 Family Members in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Security officials confirmed that at least 24 people, including 14 civilians, sustained injuries in the blast. The incident is being regarded as one of the deadliest single-day attacks on security forces in the region in recent months.

While the Pakistan Army has yet to issue an official statement, a local militant faction led by Hafiz Gul Bahadar has reportedly claimed responsibility for the bombing.

The region, bordering Afghanistan, has seen a surge in militant activity in recent weeks, particularly in the Waziristan, Khyber, and Kurram districts. In response, Pakistan’s military has intensified intelligence-based operations to root out insurgents.

Islamabad continues to accuse Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, allegedly operating from safe havens in Afghanistan, of orchestrating cross-border terror attacks. However, the Taliban-led government in Kabul denies allowing any group to use its territory to launch attacks on neighboring countries.

The bombing underscores the fragile security situation in the tribal border areas and the ongoing threat posed by regional militant networks.


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Thai Prime Minister Faces Resignation Calls Amid Cambodia Phone Call Controversy

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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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