Massive Protests Erupt in Thailand Demanding Action from PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Bangkok, Thailand, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra following the leak of a controversial phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The conversation, which addressed a border dispute, has ignited public outrage, leading to the departure of a key coalition partner from her government. While Paetongtarn has apologized for her remarks, she defended her approach as a “negotiation technique.” As protests swell, she acknowledged the public’s right to demonstrate peacefully.
Massive Protests Erupt in Bangkok
The rally in Bangkok marked the largest protest since the Pheu Thai party assumed power in 2023. Thousands of people braved heavy monsoon rains to gather at the Victory Monument, waving Thai flags and holding signs that read “PM is enemy of state.” Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan emphasized that the prime minister should resign, stating, “she is the problem.” Among the attendees was 70-year-old Seri Sawangmue, who traveled overnight from northern Thailand to join the demonstration. He expressed his concerns about the prime minister’s fitness for office, saying he was there to “protect Thailand’s sovereignty.” The protest reflects a growing discontent among citizens regarding the Shinawatra family’s influence in Thai politics.
Background of the Controversial Call
The leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen has become a focal point of public anger. During the conversation, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized a Thai military commander involved in a border dispute, suggesting he was merely trying to appear competent. The fallout from the call has led to significant political repercussions, including the resignation of a coalition partner. In response to the backlash, Paetongtarn stated she would refrain from future communications with Hun Sen. However, many protesters believe that both she and her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, are being manipulated by the Cambodian leader.
Political Implications and Historical Context
Paetongtarn, who is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, has been in office for only ten months and is Thailand’s second female prime minister. The protests are part of a broader movement against the Shinawatra leadership, which has faced criticism for over two decades. The United Force of the Land, a coalition of nationalist activists, organized the rally, asserting that the government is not acting in the best interest of democracy and constitutional monarchy. As the protests unfolded, the Constitutional Court announced it would consider a petition from senators seeking Paetongtarn’s removal due to her handling of the Hun Sen call.
Ongoing Tensions Between Thailand and Cambodia
The phone call’s context relates to a recent border dispute that escalated tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, particularly after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a clash in May. This incident has strained relations to their lowest point in over a decade. Historical grievances between the two nations date back more than a century, stemming from colonial-era border delineations. Both countries have imposed restrictions on each other, including bans on Thai imports and media. Despite these tensions, the Shinawatra family’s longstanding friendship with the Hun family complicates the political landscape, as both leaders have considered each other “godbrothers.”
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