Reuters
Thousands protest in Bangkok, demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s resignation following a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
In the call, she addressed Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized a Thai military commander. The call sparked public anger and led to a key coalition partner quitting.
Paetongtarn apologized but defended the call as a “negotiation technique.” Before leaving to visit flood-hit northern Thailand, she acknowledged the right to peaceful protest.
Saturday’s rally was the largest since Pheu Thai party came to power in 2023. Thousands braved monsoon rain, blocking roads at the Victory Monument, waving Thai flags, and holding anti-government placards.
Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan called for Paetongtarn to step down. Demonstrators traveled from across Thailand, calling for her removal.
Paetongtarn, 38, is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra and Thailand’s second female prime minister. Protest organizers demand an end to Shinawatra leadership, accusing the government and parliament of not serving democracy and constitutional monarchy.
The protest was held by the United Force of the Land, a coalition of nationalist activists. Demonstrators also carried umbrellas for rain protection, and a rainbow appeared over the Victory Monument.
Paetongtarn has said she won’t hold future calls with Hun Sen. The tension between Cambodia and Thailand dates back to a border dispute and French occupation of Cambodia. Despite this, the Shinawatras have maintained a friendship with the Hun family for decades.
