Introduction
Thousands of protesters gathered in bangkok protests on Saturday, calling for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s resignation after a leaked phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen. In the recording, she addressed Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticised a Thai military commander as “just wanting to look cool”—sparking allegations of disrespect and undermining national sovereignty.
The Leaked Conversation and Public Anger
The controversy erupted when audio of a private discussion on the recent border clash was made public by Hun Sen on Facebook. Paetongtarn apologised but defended the conversation as a “negotiation technique.” Critics labelled it unprofessional, intensifying long-standing resentment against the Shinawatra family.
Protest placards reading “PM is enemy of state” filled Victory Monument as rain-soaked demonstrators, some from Thailand’s north, braved Monday’s monsoon—joined under a rainbow that briefly appeared over the memorial.
Largest Rally Since 2023 Election
The demonstration marked the largest protest since the Pheu Thai party’s 2023 election victory. Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan declared the prime minister “unfit” to govern, while 70-year-old Seri Sawangmue told AFP he came “to protect Thailand’s sovereignty.” The crowd’s chant—“Get out!”—echoed through Victory Monument bangkok protests.
Constitutional Court Decision Looms
On Tuesday, Thailand’s Constitutional Court will review a petition by senators seeking Paetongtarn’s removal over alleged unprofessional conduct. Observers say a ruling could accelerate political instability, as temperature on the street mirrors tension in the halls of power bangkok protests.
Thailand’s politically divided landscape—marked by military coups, mass protests, and swift judicial rulings—places heavy attention on this upcoming decision (Reuters).
Backdrop: Border Clash and Diplomatic Tensions
The leaked conversation centred on a border incident in late May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed, creating the most serious bilateral crisis in over a decade. Both nations imposed trade bans and restrictions—Thailand blocked Cambodian imports; Cambodia suspended Thai media (BBC News).
The Thailand–Cambodia border is historically volatile—its boundaries drawn since French colonial rule. Tensions reignited when Paetongtarn’s political lineage became entwined with Hun Sen’s family, deepening mistrust among Thai nationalists.
Shinawatra Family Legacy Under Fire
Paetongtarn, 38, is the daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and niece of Yingluck Shinawatra. Thaksin’s return from exile in 2023 reignited political divisions that have riven Thailand for decades. Opposition groups argue the Shinawatras remain puppets of Cambodia’s political elite.
What the Protesters Want
- Immediate resignation of PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
- A restoration of national autonomy in border negotiations.
- A declaration by the Constitutional Court on executive conduct.
Conclusion
Saturday’s Bangkok protests represent more than outrage over a phone call—they echo deep fears about foreign influence and executive overreach. With the Constitutional Court’s imminent decision, Thailand enters a delicate phase. The world will be watching whether Bangkok’s rain‑soaked streets translate into a political turning point.
For the latest on Thailand’s political landscape: Thai Political Turmoil Update.
