In an unprecedented show of dissent, thousands have gathered at the historic Victory Monument in Bangkok, urging Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to resign. The protests were instigated by a leaked phone conversation in which she addressed former Cambodian leader Hun Sen as "uncle," discussing sensitive military matters concerning a border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. The public's response to the leaked audio has been one of anger, prompting fierce backlash against the Prime Minister, who has only been in office for ten months.
Amid heavy monsoon rains, protesters braved the elements while carrying Thai flags and placards emblazoned with slogans like "PM is enemy of state." Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan stated, "the prime minister should step aside because she is the problem," reflecting widespread discontent. Participants like 70-year-old Seri Sawangmue travelled overnight to join the protest, emphasizing a commitment to protecting Thailand's sovereignty.
In her defense, Paetongtarn acknowledged the call was unprofessional but framed it as a "negotiation technique." She has committed not to initiate further communications with Hun Sen, a significant point of concern for many protestors who feel the Shinawatra family is being unduly influenced by the former Cambodian leader. As the daughter of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn's political lineage adds a layer of complexity to the current unrest, rooted in decades of history involving the Shinawatras' relationship with Cambodia.
The protest is notable for being the largest since the Pheu Thai party took power, organized by a coalition that has long opposed Shinawatra-led administrations. The group asserts that both the executive and legislative branches are failing to uphold democratic standards. Furthermore, the Constitutional Court is set to determine the validity of a petition for Paetongtarn’s removal due to perceived unprofessionalism over the controversial conversation.
The backdrop of the protests is fraught with historical tension between Thailand and Cambodia, particularly as recent military skirmishes have strained relations, with both countries implementing border restrictions. The Shinawatras’ familial ties to Hun Sen complicate these diplomatic challenges, further igniting public dissent and calls for governmental accountability in light of the revelations from the leaked call.
