Thousands Demand Resignation of Thai PM Amid Controversial Leaked Call

As protests surged in Bangkok, demonstrators expressed outrage over Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's leaked phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, demanding her resignation and citing the apparent undermining of Thailand’s sovereignty.

In a remarkable turn of events in Bangkok, thousands have taken to the streets, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra following the emergence of a controversial phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The dialogue—centered around a recent border incident—showed Paetongtarn addressing Hun Sen as “uncle” and deriding a Thai military commander involved in the dispute. The remarks have ignited public outrage, compelling Paetongtarn to issue an apology, although she asserted that the call was merely a "negotiation technique."

Prior to her visit to flood-affected areas in northern Thailand, Paetongtarn acknowledged the public's right to protest lawfully. This rally marks the largest demonstration against her leadership since the Pheu Thai party assumed power last year. Protestors braved inclement weather, gathering at the Victory Monument to voice their discontent, brandishing Thai flags and placards that condemned the Prime Minister as “enemy of state.” Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan emphasized the need for Paetongtarn to resign, calling her tenure the source of the nation's troubles.

Among the participants was 70-year-old Seri Sawangmue, who traveled overnight to join the protest. He expressed his desire to defend Thailand’s sovereignty against perceived incompetence. Paetongtarn, the daughter of deposed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has only been in office for ten months, marking her as the second female Prime Minister in Thai history.

The rally was orchestrated by a coalition that has opposed Shinawatra-led governments for over two decades. Their statement, delivered to the gathering crowds, accused the executive branch and parliament of failing to act in the interest of democracy and the constitutional monarchy, as reported by Reuters. Amidst the rain, protesters used umbrellas, and when the downpour ceased, a vivid rainbow appeared over the Victory Monument.

The situation is further complicated as the Constitutional Court prepares to decide on a petition led by senators seeking to remove Paetongtarn from office over her alleged lack of professionalism in the Hun Sen conversation. Hun Sen, who shared the audio clip with a multitude of politicians, later made the entire 17-minute recording public through his social media account.

Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, stemming from a fatal border clash in May, have historically plagued their bilateral relations. Despite ongoing strains, familial ties between the Shinawatras and the Hun family span decades, with mutual affections labeling them as "godbrothers." As the political landscape in Thailand remains uncertain, demonstrators are making it clear that they desire a change in leadership to steer the nation towards a more democratic future.