BANGKOK (AP) — Hundreds of protesters gathered in Thailand’s capital on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The protest, a response to a leaked phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, is the latest chapter in Thailand’s ongoing political turbulence.
Paetongtarn is facing increasing criticism over her handling of a recent border dispute with Cambodia, which escalated into an armed confrontation on May 28, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The controversy surrounding the recorded phone call with Hun Sen has sparked a series of investigations that could potentially lead to Paetongtarn’s ousting.
Phone Call Sparks Outrage
The leaked conversation has become a focal point of the protests, with Paetongtarn allegedly advising Hun Sen, now the Cambodian Senate president, to disregard “an opponent” in Thailand. This is believed to reference the regional Thai army commander overseeing the disputed area, who had publicly criticized Cambodia’s actions.
Protesters, waving national flags and holding signs, gathered around Victory Monument in central Bangkok. On a large stage erected for the event, speakers expressed their patriotism in light of the intensified border dispute.
Historical Tensions and Political Fracture
The protest was notably supported by members of the Yellow Shirts, a group known for its loyalty to the Thai monarchy and opposition to Paetongtarn’s father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The Yellow Shirts have historically played significant roles in political upheavals, including military coups in 2006 and 2014, which removed Thaksin and Paetongtarn’s aunt, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, from power.
Meanwhile, Hun Sen has responded to the situation by condemning what he describes as an illegal attack by Thai forces. Speaking at the 74th anniversary of the Cambodian People’s Party in Phnom Penh, he emphasized Cambodia’s commitment to peace and sovereignty.
“This poor Cambodia has suffered from foreign invasion, war and genocide, been surrounded and isolated and insulted in the past, but now Cambodia has risen on an equal face with other countries,” Hun Sen stated.
Political Fallout and Investigations
The scandal has fractured Paetongtarn’s coalition government, resulting in the loss of its largest partner, the Bhumjaithai Party. This departure leaves the 10-party coalition with a slim majority in the 500-seat house. The split follows tensions over reports that Bhumjaithai might be removed from the influential Interior Ministry.
In addition to political fragmentation, Paetongtarn is under investigation by both the Constitutional Court and the national anti-corruption agency. Sarote Phuengrampan, secretary-general of the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, confirmed that the agency is examining the prime minister for a serious breach of ethics related to the phone call.
“It was clear from the phone call that I had nothing to gain from it, and I also didn’t cause any damage to the country,” Paetongtarn defended her actions.
Voices from the Protest
Among the protesters, Tasana Soma, a 60-year-old retiree, criticized the prime minister for her perceived lack of leadership. “The prime minister must resign to take responsibility for her cluelessness. She’s utterly immature and has no leadership skills,” she said.
Another protester, Tatchakorn Srisuwan, a guide from Surat Thani, expressed his dissatisfaction with Paetongtarn’s approach to the border dispute. “From a heart of a Thai person, we’ve never had a prime minister who’s so weak. We don’t want to invade anyone, but we want to say that we are Thai and we want to protect Thailand’s sovereignty,” he remarked.
The situation remains tense as the Constitutional Court considers whether to suspend Paetongtarn pending the outcome of the investigation. The prime minister, however, remains defiant, ready to present her case and maintain her position.