Thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok on Saturday, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra amid rising tensions over a border dispute with Cambodia. This rally marked the largest demonstration since the ruling Pheu Thai party took power in 2023, with crowds braving heavy monsoon rain to voice their discontent.
Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan stated, “She should step aside because she is the problem,” highlighting the pressure on Paetongtarn, who is also facing challenges in reviving a struggling economy and maintaining a fragile coalition ahead of a potential no-confidence vote next month.
The unrest stems from a skirmish between Thailand and Cambodia over a disputed border territory that began in May. Nationalist groups in Thailand intensified their calls for Paetongtarn’s resignation after she appeared to criticize a Thai army commander and showed deference to Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen, in a leaked phone call. Public criticism of the military is a sensitive issue in Thailand, where the armed forces hold significant influence. Following the backlash, Paetongtarn issued an apology for her comments.
