In a significant show of discontent, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Bangkok, demanding the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after a leaked phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen stirred public anger.
Thousands in Bangkok Rally for Thai PM's Resignation Amid Leak Controversy
Thousands in Bangkok Rally for Thai PM's Resignation Amid Leak Controversy
Public outrage erupts following the revelation of a controversial phone call involving the Prime Minister and a former Cambodian leader.
In response to the leak, which included derogatory remarks about a military commander and informal terms of endearment, Paetongtarn defended her comments as part of her negotiation approach. Despite her apology, the fallout has seen a critical coalition partner abandon the government, and the controversy escalates as thousands braved adverse weather conditions to voice their dissatisfaction.
The demonstration, notably the largest since the Pheu Thai party took power in 2023, gathered momentum at Bangkok's Victory Monument, where demonstrators wielded banners such as "PM is enemy of state." Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan pressed for the prime minister to "step aside because she is the problem," reflecting the broader sentiment that many believe Paetongtarn and her influential father, Thaksin Shinawatra, are being manipulated by Hun Sen.
With a history of governmental struggles, demonstrators like 70-year-old Seri Sawangmue traveled overnight, emphasizing the need to protect Thailand's sovereignty and labeling the current leader as unfit. During her visit to flood-affected regions, Paetongtarn acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but asserted that she would limit future communications with Hun Sen in light of the incident.
The United Force of the Land, comprised of nationalists holding grievances against Shinawatra-led administrations spanning two decades, organized the rally. Their statement emphasized that the government and parliament were failing to act in favor of democracy and the constitutional monarchy.
As participants carried umbrellas to shield themselves from rain—illustrating their resilience—a rainbow appeared post-storm at the Victory Monument, symbolizing hope amid the political turmoil. A pivotal court decision looms on Tuesday as the Constitutional Court considers a petition from senators regarding the Prime Minister's possible dismissal for her unprofessionally conducted call.
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia remain tense following a border clash earlier this year, but the historical ties between the Shinawatra family and the Hun leadership complicate the current political landscape. As the situation unfolds, the calls for change continue to echo throughout Thailand.
The demonstration, notably the largest since the Pheu Thai party took power in 2023, gathered momentum at Bangkok's Victory Monument, where demonstrators wielded banners such as "PM is enemy of state." Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan pressed for the prime minister to "step aside because she is the problem," reflecting the broader sentiment that many believe Paetongtarn and her influential father, Thaksin Shinawatra, are being manipulated by Hun Sen.
With a history of governmental struggles, demonstrators like 70-year-old Seri Sawangmue traveled overnight, emphasizing the need to protect Thailand's sovereignty and labeling the current leader as unfit. During her visit to flood-affected regions, Paetongtarn acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but asserted that she would limit future communications with Hun Sen in light of the incident.
The United Force of the Land, comprised of nationalists holding grievances against Shinawatra-led administrations spanning two decades, organized the rally. Their statement emphasized that the government and parliament were failing to act in favor of democracy and the constitutional monarchy.
As participants carried umbrellas to shield themselves from rain—illustrating their resilience—a rainbow appeared post-storm at the Victory Monument, symbolizing hope amid the political turmoil. A pivotal court decision looms on Tuesday as the Constitutional Court considers a petition from senators regarding the Prime Minister's possible dismissal for her unprofessionally conducted call.
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia remain tense following a border clash earlier this year, but the historical ties between the Shinawatra family and the Hun leadership complicate the current political landscape. As the situation unfolds, the calls for change continue to echo throughout Thailand.
