Thousands gathered to protest in Bangkok, expressing outrage over the Prime Minister's diplomatic gaffe and calling for her to step down.
Thai PM Faces Massive Protests Following Leaked Phone Call with Hun Sen
Thai PM Faces Massive Protests Following Leaked Phone Call with Hun Sen
Bangkok erupts with calls for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's resignation after controversial phone call.
In Bangkok, a significant wave of protests unfolded as thousands took to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This outcry follows the public release of a phone conversation she had with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, which has ignited widespread controversy and criticism. During the call, where she referred to Hun Sen as "uncle," Paetongtarn criticized a Thai military commander's handling of a border situation, suggesting his comments were largely performative and unhelpful.
This incident has fueled public dissatisfaction, prompting the Prime Minister to issue an apology; however, she also sought to justify the conversation as a tactic for negotiation. On her way to visit areas affected by flooding in northern Thailand, Paetongtarn commented that peaceful protests are a right of the public. The demonstration, characterized as the largest since her party, the Pheu Thai party, rose to power in 2023, saw brave individuals facing heavy rain to voice their displeasure.
At the Victory Monument, protesters waved national flags and held banners reading phrases like “PM is enemy of state.” Among the crowd was 70-year-old Seri Sawangmue, who traveled overnight to contribute to the rally, expressing his concerns about the Prime Minister's perceived inadequacy regarding national sovereignty. He noted his extensive experience with political unrest, suggesting he sees motifs repeating in Thailand's current political landscape.
Despite her assurances that no further communication with Hun Sen would occur, the sentiment remains that many in Thailand feel a lingering sense of manipulation involving both the prime minister and her powerful father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a former PM who returned from exile last year.
The movement to oust Paetongtarn is backed by a coalition that has actively protested against the Shinawatra leadership for more than twenty years. Their recent statements have called into question the government's commitment to upholding democratic principles and the constitutional monarchy, a core issue for many critics.
As the downpour gave way to brief moments of sunshine, a rainbow appeared above the gathering, symbolizing hope amidst discontent. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is expected to deliberate a petition from senators asking for the Prime Minister's removal, citing unprofessional conduct in light of the leaked conversation. The backdrop of this political climate not only highlights tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, rooted in historical disputes, but it also underscores the complexities of personal and diplomatic relationships between leaders of these nations.
This incident has fueled public dissatisfaction, prompting the Prime Minister to issue an apology; however, she also sought to justify the conversation as a tactic for negotiation. On her way to visit areas affected by flooding in northern Thailand, Paetongtarn commented that peaceful protests are a right of the public. The demonstration, characterized as the largest since her party, the Pheu Thai party, rose to power in 2023, saw brave individuals facing heavy rain to voice their displeasure.
At the Victory Monument, protesters waved national flags and held banners reading phrases like “PM is enemy of state.” Among the crowd was 70-year-old Seri Sawangmue, who traveled overnight to contribute to the rally, expressing his concerns about the Prime Minister's perceived inadequacy regarding national sovereignty. He noted his extensive experience with political unrest, suggesting he sees motifs repeating in Thailand's current political landscape.
Despite her assurances that no further communication with Hun Sen would occur, the sentiment remains that many in Thailand feel a lingering sense of manipulation involving both the prime minister and her powerful father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a former PM who returned from exile last year.
The movement to oust Paetongtarn is backed by a coalition that has actively protested against the Shinawatra leadership for more than twenty years. Their recent statements have called into question the government's commitment to upholding democratic principles and the constitutional monarchy, a core issue for many critics.
As the downpour gave way to brief moments of sunshine, a rainbow appeared above the gathering, symbolizing hope amidst discontent. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is expected to deliberate a petition from senators asking for the Prime Minister's removal, citing unprofessional conduct in light of the leaked conversation. The backdrop of this political climate not only highlights tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, rooted in historical disputes, but it also underscores the complexities of personal and diplomatic relationships between leaders of these nations.
