Thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after a leaked phone call between her and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen triggered a political storm. In the call, which addressed a recent border incident, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized a Thai military commander for “just wanting to look cool.” The tone and content of the conversation sparked public outrage, prompting the prime minister to apologize while defending the remarks as part of a “negotiation technique.”
Massive Protest Challenges Shinawatra Leadership Amid Allegations of Foreign Influence and Dynasty Rule
Saturday’s protest marked the largest demonstration since the Pheu Thai party returned to power in 2023. Undeterred by monsoon rains, demonstrators occupied roads around Bangkok’s Victory Monument, waving national flags and displaying signs such as “PM is enemy of the state.”
Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan called for Paetongtarn to step down, declaring her a liability to the country. Other protesters, including 70-year-old Seri Sawangmue, emphasized concerns about national sovereignty and expressed long-standing distrust of the Shinawatra political dynasty.
Mass Protests Erupt in Bangkok as Leaked Call Fuels Outrage Against PM Paetongtarn ShinawatraPaetongtarn Shinawatra, the 38-year-old daughter of exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has only been in office for ten months and is Thailand’s second female prime minister. Her critics argue that both she and her father are under the influence of Hun Sen.
The protest movement is led by a coalition that has historically opposed Shinawatra-led governments, and the group claims that the current administration is not serving the principles of democracy or constitutional monarchy. Their opposition reflects two decades of political friction tied to the powerful Shinawatra family’s role in Thai politics.
Court Decision Nears Amid Rising Tensions Over Leaked Call and Border Dispute
The controversy surrounding the call could escalate further as the Constitutional Court is expected to rule on Tuesday whether it will hear a petition seeking Paetongtarn’s removal. The petition alleges that her comments during the call reflect unprofessional conduct.
Hun Sen, who admitted to circulating the audio to dozens of politicians, later made the full 17-minute call public on Facebook. The discussion followed a deadly border clash in May, which heightened long-standing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
The border dispute is the latest chapter in a centuries-long saga of territorial tension between Thailand and Cambodia, complicated by colonial-era boundary definitions and modern-day political rivalries. Recent Cambodian sanctions against Thai imports and media content have exacerbated the situation.
Despite the hostilities, the Shinawatra and Hun families share deep personal ties, with Hun Sen referring to Thaksin as his “godbother.” This relationship has fueled suspicions in Thailand that national interests are being compromised for personal alliances, adding fuel to the ongoing protests.
