Hundreds of protesters gathered in Bangkok on Saturday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, following the emergence of a leaked phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and growing dissatisfaction over the handling of a recent border dispute.
Demonstrators voiced frustration with the Prime Minister’s response to a recent armed confrontation along the Thai-Cambodian border, accusing her of inadequate leadership during the crisis.
The leaked call, which surfaced earlier this week, has intensified political tensions and triggered calls for government accountability.
The protests, while peaceful, come amid heightened political unrest in Thailand. Authorities increased security across key locations in the capital to prevent possible escalation, deploying law enforcement near the protest site. No major incidents were reported during the demonstration.
In response to the growing unrest, Prime Minister Paetongtarn acknowledged the public’s right to protest and called for calm.
She urged citizens to demonstrate peacefully and affirmed that her administration remains committed to resolving the border dispute without resorting to force or retaliatory action.
“The government is pursuing diplomatic solutions to protect Thailand’s sovereignty and ensure peace,” Paetongtarn said in a statement. “We urge all parties to remain patient as we work through the appropriate channels.”
The Prime Minister’s administration now faces increasing scrutiny, both domestically and internationally, over its handling of regional and internal affairs. Analysts view the protests as a critical test of Paetongtarn’s leadership as her government attempts to address public dissatisfaction and maintain political stability.
Diplomatic talks between Thai and Cambodian officials are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with hopes of easing tensions and preventing further conflict.