Thousands of anti-government protesters gathered in Bangkok on Saturday, calling for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to resign following a leaked diplomatic phone call that has sparked widespread public anger and renewed political tensions.
The controversy began after a private call between Paetongtarn and a Cambodian elder statesman was leaked. Intended to ease a simmering border dispute between the two countries, the call drew backlash after Paetongtarn referred to the Cambodian figure as “uncle” and described a Thai military commander as her “opponent” — remarks critics say undermined national sovereignty and disrespected the armed forces.
The fallout has been swift. The Bhumjaithai Party, a key member of her governing coalition, withdrew its support, accusing the 38-year-old premier of capitulating to Cambodian interests and weakening the military. The move has left Paetongtarn clinging to a fragile parliamentary majority.
Approximately 4,000 protesters filled the area surrounding Bangkok’s Victory Monument, waving Thai flags and cheering through a mix of political speeches and live music. The demonstration was led largely by older citizens and veteran members of the royalist “Yellow Shirt” movement, which played a central role in the ousting of Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, in the 2000s.
“I’m here to protect Thailand’s sovereignty and to say the PM is unfit to lead,” said 70-year-old Seri Sawangmue, who traveled overnight from northern Thailand. “After I heard the leaked call, I knew I couldn’t trust her. I’ve lived through many political crises — and I know where this is going.”
The protest also drew former “Red Shirt” supporters — once aligned with Thaksin’s populist movement — who say they no longer stand by the Shinawatra legacy. “I feel pain seeing a fellow Thai not love the country the way I do,” said Jamnong Kalana, 64. “I supported the Red Shirts for years, but this time, I want her out.”
Thailand has long been polarized between the Yellow Shirts, who support the monarchy and military establishment, and the Red Shirts, who back Thaksin and his populist allies. Paetongtarn is the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to hold the premiership, following her father, aunt, and uncle-in-law.
Saturday’s demonstration remained peaceful, with authorities deploying over 1,000 police officers and 100 city officials to manage the event. Paetongtarn, who was visiting flood-hit areas in northern Thailand, told reporters before her departure: “It’s their right to protest, as long as it’s peaceful.”
The prime minister is facing a critical week. On Tuesday, Thailand’s Constitutional Court will decide whether to accept a petition from senators seeking her dismissal over alleged misconduct related to the leaked call.
The same day, her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, is scheduled to appear in court to face charges of royal defamation linked to comments he made to South Korean media over a decade ago.
Paetongtarn assumed office less than a year ago, following the court-ordered disqualification of her predecessor. Her tenure began with high expectations but has since been mired in controversy and deepening political challenges.
AFP
