Credit: The Independent
Bangkok, June 28 —Thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok on Saturday, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as political tensions rise over a leaked phone call and a deadly border incident with Cambodia.
Credit: Bangkok Post
The demonstration, which took place around Victory Monument in central Bangkok, was sparked by growing anger over a private phone conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, who now serves as president of Cambodia’s Senate. The call, which was made public earlier this month, has stirred controversy in Thailand, particularly over comments Paetongtarn made about a Thai military commander and her attempts to calm tensions with Hun Sen after a border clash.
Credit: AP News
Credit: Bangkok Post
Border Clash Escalates Political Pressure
The protests come just one month after a border dispute between Thai and Cambodian troops on May 28 turned violent, leaving one Cambodian soldier dead in a small contested area along the frontier. Critics accuse the Thai government of mishandling the situation and appearing weak in its response.
Credit: AP News
The leaked phone call added fuel to the fire. In it, Paetongtarn reportedly made remarks about a regional army commander and seemed eager to smooth things over with Hun Sen, a move seen by many as undermining Thai national interests.
Credit: AP News
Protesters Voice Nationalist Sentiment
On Saturday, protesters carrying Thai national flags and signs flooded streets near the Victory Monument. A large stage was set up where speakers addressed the crowd, many expressing frustration with the government’s handling of the border issue and the leaked call.
Demonstrators chanted nationalist slogans, sang patriotic songs, and called for Paetongtarn to step down. The atmosphere was charged with nationalist sentiment, with many accusing the prime minister of failing to defend Thailand’s dignity.
Investigations Underway
In the wake of the leaked phone call, Thai authorities have launched several investigations that could lead to Paetongtarn’s removal from office. Political analysts say the situation has deepened existing divisions in the country, while adding uncertainty to Thailand’s relationship with neighboring Cambodia.
Credit: Bloomberg
No violence was reported during Saturday’s protests, though security forces were deployed in the area to monitor the gathering.
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