Bangkok protesters demand Thai PM Paetongtarn resign

Thousands of protesters rallied in Bangkok on Saturday, demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign as political and economic tensions mount.

Thailand’s political crisis deepened on Saturday as thousands gathered in Bangkok, calling for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to step down.

The rally, the largest since her Pheu Thai party took power in 2023, was triggered by a border dispute with Cambodia and a leaked phone call where she appeared to criticize a Thai army commander and show deference to Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen.

In a country where the military holds significant influence, the comments sparked outrage. Although Paetongtarn later apologized, protesters chanted “Ung Ing, get out,” referring to her nickname, while waving Thai flags at Victory Monument.

The United Force of the Land, a nationalist group behind the protest, accused the government and parliament of failing the nation and urged coalition partners to leave the ruling bloc.

Paetongtarn’s government now holds a slim majority after the Bhumjaithai Party’s exit last week. She also faces possible legal action, with senators petitioning the Constitutional Court and an anti-graft body over her leaked call.

Adding to tensions, Hun Sen publicly called for her resignation during a televised speech on Friday. Thailand’s foreign ministry called the remarks “extraordinary” but said it favors diplomacy.

As protests continue, fears grow over further political instability and economic fallout.

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