In a significant display of dissent, thousands of anti-government protesters gathered in Bangkok on Saturday, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, not Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The demonstration was sparked by a leaked diplomatic phone call that has ignited public outrage.
A prominent Cambodian elder statesman has disclosed a call aimed at easing tensions over a border dispute between the two countries. During the conversation, Paetongtarn addressed him as “uncle” and described a Thai military commander as her “opponent”.
A significant political party has withdrawn its support from Paetongtarn’s coalition, alleging that the 38-year-old premier is yielding to Cambodia and compromising the integrity of Thailand’s military. This development has left her government precariously balanced with a narrow parliamentary majority.
Approximately 10,000 protesters filled the streets surrounding the capital’s Victory Monument, brandishing Thai flags and signs that proclaimed, “Evil PM, get out.”
A speaker addressed the audience with a bold declaration: “Prime Minister, you have committed treason!”
A predominantly senior crowd gathered, spearheaded by seasoned activists from the “Yellow Shirt” movement, known for their role in the ousting of Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin, in the 2000s.
A former ally of Thaksin, who has since become one of his most vocal critics, played a significant role in the organization.
“I am here to defend Thailand’s sovereignty and to declare that the Prime Minister is unfit for office,” stated 70-year-old protester Seri Sawangmue, who made an overnight bus journey from the northern region of the country to participate in the demonstration.
“Upon listening to the leaked call, I realised I could no longer place my trust in her,” he stated to AFP. “Having experienced numerous political crises, I have a clear understanding of the direction this is heading.” She is prepared to relinquish our sovereignty.
Thailand has experienced years of conflict between the fiercely divided “Yellow Shirts”, who advocate for the monarchy and military, and the “Red Shirts”, supporters of Thaksin, who are viewed by their rivals as a challenge to the established social hierarchy.
Jamnong Kalana, 64, revealed that she was previously affiliated with the “Red Shirt” movement but has since shifted her stance, now calling for the resignation of Paetongtarn, the leader of the Pheu Thai party.
“It brings me great sorrow to witness a fellow Thai who does not share the same love for our country,” she expressed.
Crucial court cases that could determine outcomes
Since 2021, Thailand has seen a notable decline in mass protests, a shift that followed youth-led demonstrations advocating for reforms to the monarchy. These protests concluded with several leaders facing convictions under the nation’s stringent lese-majeste laws.
Officials reported that over 1,000 police officers and 100 city officials were present at the protest, which maintained a peaceful atmosphere on Saturday afternoon.
Santhiphum Iamjit, a 62-year-old protester, was visibly moved.
“Our ancestors shed blood, sweat, and tears for this land, yet now politicians appear poised to relinquish it for their own benefit,” the former bureaucrat expressed emotionally to AFP.
During her visit to the flood-affected regions in northern Thailand, Paetongtarn addressed reporters in Bangkok, stating, “It’s their right to protest, as long as it’s peaceful.”
The prime minister faces significant backlash following the leak of her phone call with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen, earlier this month. This controversy has led to her being distanced from her primary supporter, the Bhumjaithai Party.
Tensions between the nations have escalated following a border dispute that erupted into violence last month, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
Since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand’s military has orchestrated a dozen coups, leading politicians to tread carefully in their dealings with the generals.
Following her characterization of a military commander in a border region as her “opponent”, Paetongtarn held a press conference marked by contrition, where she offered a public apology alongside military officials, emphasizing a display of unity.
The coalition partners remain committed to their agreement, showing no signs of withdrawal at this time.
Next week, both Paetongtarn and her father are set to confront legal challenges that have the potential to alter the political landscape of Thailand.
On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court is set to decide whether to consider a petition filed by senators calling for her removal due to allegations of unprofessional conduct.
On the same day, her father is scheduled to face trial on charges of royal defamation stemming from comments made to South Korean media over a decade ago.
Paetongtarn assumed her position less than a year ago, following the disqualification of her predecessor by a court ruling and her father’s return from a 15-year exile.
She marks the fourth individual associated with the Shinawatra family to assume the role of prime minister, following in the footsteps of her father, aunt, and uncle-in-law.
