Protests Erupt in Bangkok Over Leaked Call as Thai PM Faces Mounting Pressure
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Thousands protested in Bangkok demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's resignation over a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
- The call, which criticized a Thai military officer and addressed Hun Sen as "uncle," sparked nationalist outrage and led to a coalition partner's withdrawal.
- The Constitutional Court will decide on Tuesday whether to pursue a case against Paetongtarn for alleged unprofessionalism related to the call.
- The protest, organized by United Force of the Land, is the largest since the Pheu Thai party took power in 2023, with participants accusing the PM of betraying national interests.
- The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, which intensified after a Cambodian soldier's death in May, has fueled nationalist sentiments.
In a dramatic turn of events, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Bangkok on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The protests were ignited by a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, which has plunged her government into crisis.
Leaked Call Sparks Outrage
The controversial phone call, in which Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as "uncle" and criticized a senior Thai military officer, has incited nationalist outrage across Thailand. The call, which was leaked earlier this month, has been perceived as a sign of undue influence by Hun Sen over Thai politics. The fallout has been swift, with a key coalition partner withdrawing support, leaving Paetongtarn's government with a fragile majority.
Largest Protest Since 2023
Saturday's protest, organized by the nationalist group United Force of the Land, saw thousands braving monsoon rains to gather at Bangkok's Victory Monument. Waving Thai flags and chanting slogans such as "Ung Ing, get out," protesters expressed their anger at what they see as a betrayal of national interests. Police estimated the crowd to be over 10,000 strong by evening, marking the largest demonstration since the Pheu Thai party assumed power earlier this year.
Legal and Political Ramifications
The leaked call has not only sparked public protests but also legal challenges. The Constitutional Court is set to decide on Tuesday whether to accept a petition accusing Paetongtarn of ethical violations and breaching the constitution. If the case proceeds, it could lead to her suspension from office while the court deliberates, a process that could take months.
Historical Context and Nationalist Sentiment
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, which dates back over a century, has been a source of tension, recently exacerbated by the death of a Cambodian soldier in May. This incident has reignited nationalist fervor in Thailand, with protesters accusing Paetongtarn of compromising the country's sovereignty.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the Constitutional Court prepares to deliberate on the case against Paetongtarn, the political landscape in Thailand remains volatile. If the court decides to proceed, Paetongtarn could face suspension, further destabilizing her government. The nationalist sentiment driving the protests could also lead to increased tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, potentially impacting diplomatic relations. Experts suggest that the Shinawatra family's political legacy continues to polarize Thai society, with the current crisis highlighting the deep-seated divisions within the country.
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Protests Erupt in Bangkok Over Leaked Call as Thai PM Faces Mounting Pressure
In This Article
Ethan Brooks| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Thousands protested in Bangkok demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's resignation over a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
- The call, which criticized a Thai military officer and addressed Hun Sen as "uncle," sparked nationalist outrage and led to a coalition partner's withdrawal.
- The Constitutional Court will decide on Tuesday whether to pursue a case against Paetongtarn for alleged unprofessionalism related to the call.
- The protest, organized by United Force of the Land, is the largest since the Pheu Thai party took power in 2023, with participants accusing the PM of betraying national interests.
- The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, which intensified after a Cambodian soldier's death in May, has fueled nationalist sentiments.
In a dramatic turn of events, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Bangkok on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The protests were ignited by a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, which has plunged her government into crisis.
Leaked Call Sparks Outrage
The controversial phone call, in which Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as "uncle" and criticized a senior Thai military officer, has incited nationalist outrage across Thailand. The call, which was leaked earlier this month, has been perceived as a sign of undue influence by Hun Sen over Thai politics. The fallout has been swift, with a key coalition partner withdrawing support, leaving Paetongtarn's government with a fragile majority.
Largest Protest Since 2023
Saturday's protest, organized by the nationalist group United Force of the Land, saw thousands braving monsoon rains to gather at Bangkok's Victory Monument. Waving Thai flags and chanting slogans such as "Ung Ing, get out," protesters expressed their anger at what they see as a betrayal of national interests. Police estimated the crowd to be over 10,000 strong by evening, marking the largest demonstration since the Pheu Thai party assumed power earlier this year.
Legal and Political Ramifications
The leaked call has not only sparked public protests but also legal challenges. The Constitutional Court is set to decide on Tuesday whether to accept a petition accusing Paetongtarn of ethical violations and breaching the constitution. If the case proceeds, it could lead to her suspension from office while the court deliberates, a process that could take months.
Historical Context and Nationalist Sentiment
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, which dates back over a century, has been a source of tension, recently exacerbated by the death of a Cambodian soldier in May. This incident has reignited nationalist fervor in Thailand, with protesters accusing Paetongtarn of compromising the country's sovereignty.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the Constitutional Court prepares to deliberate on the case against Paetongtarn, the political landscape in Thailand remains volatile. If the court decides to proceed, Paetongtarn could face suspension, further destabilizing her government. The nationalist sentiment driving the protests could also lead to increased tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, potentially impacting diplomatic relations. Experts suggest that the Shinawatra family's political legacy continues to polarize Thai society, with the current crisis highlighting the deep-seated divisions within the country.
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