BANGKOK (Realist English). Hundreds of protesters gathered in Bangkok on Saturday demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as her administration grapples with backlash over a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen.
The rally — the largest since Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai party took power in 2023 — was organised by United Force of the Land, a coalition of nationalist activists with a history of opposing Shinawatra-backed governments. Past protests against the Shinawatra political dynasty have contributed to judicial interventions and military coups in 2006 and 2014.
The demonstration comes as Paetongtarn, 38, struggles to stabilise a fragile ruling coalition after the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew support last week, citing concerns over Thailand’s sovereignty following the controversial phone call. In the leaked conversation, Paetongtarn appeared to appease Hun Sen and criticised a Thai army commander — a sensitive issue in a country where the military holds significant political power.
The prime minister apologised for her remarks, but faces possible removal if investigations by the Constitutional Court or national anti-graft body conclude wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Hun Sen on Friday publicly denounced Paetongtarn in a televised speech, calling for new leadership in Thailand.
Paetongtarn said Saturday that she respected citizens’ right to protest and had ordered security forces to ensure the demonstration remained peaceful. Her government faces a potential no confidence vote when parliament reconvenes next week.
