Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Bangkok on Saturday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, amid rising political tensions stemming from a leaked phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. This recent controversy has intensified dissatisfaction with Paetongtarn’s management of a border dispute with Cambodia, which resulted in an armed conflict leading to the death of a Cambodian soldier.
The phone call that sparked the protests involved comments from Paetongtarn regarding an outspoken regional army commander and her perceived conciliatory approach toward Hun Sen, aimed at easing border tensions. The protest, attended by approximately 20,000 people despite adverse weather conditions, took place near the Victory Monument, where demonstrators displayed national flags and voiced discontent with the government. They expressed their desire to protect Thailand’s sovereignty, with one protester characterizing Paetongtarn as “weak.”
The rally was marked by a significant presence of the Yellow Shirts, a conservative pro-royalist group known for its opposition to the Shinawatra family, highlighting the longstanding political divides within Thailand.
In response to the protest, Hun Sen labeled the actions of the Thai military in the disputed area as a grave violation of Cambodian sovereignty, reiterating that Cambodia has endured significant historical challenges but now stands with dignity among nations.
Moreover, the political crisis has fractured Paetongtarn’s coalition government, as her main ally, the Bhumjaithai Party, has withdrawn support, leaving her coalition precariously holding 255 out of 500 seats. Additional investigations into the phone call could threaten her position, with the National Anti-Corruption Commission looking into potential ethical breaches.
Paetongtarn remains resolute, asserting that the phone call did not harm Thailand and that she is prepared to present her case as investigations proceed. With past political upheavals involving the Constitutional Court, questions arise about her future amidst these significant challenges.
This tumultuous period in Thailand reflects deep-seated tensions and divisions in the political landscape, and it remains essential for the government to navigate these issues with transparency and accountability to restore public trust. Hope remains that constructive dialogue can pave the way for a more stable political environment in the future.