Protesters rally in Bangkok demanding Thai PM's resignation over leaked Cambodia call
Political turmoil brews as protesters demand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's resignation following a leaked phone conversation with Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Bangkok on Saturday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, amid growing dissatisfaction over her handling of a recent border dispute with Cambodia.
The protest was sparked by a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, which has intensified tensions between the two countries.The dispute, involving an armed confrontation on May 28 that resulted in the death of one Cambodian soldier, has led to investigations that could potentially lead to Paetongtarn's removal from office.
Protesters, many of whom are associated with the Yellow Shirts group known for their loyalty to the Thai monarchy and opposition to Paetongtarn's father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, held national flags and signs as they occupied parts of the streets around the Victory Monument in central Bangkok.The leaked phone call has sparked outrage, particularly over Paetongtarn's statement advising Hun Sen not to listen to an opponent, believed to be a reference to the regional Thai army commander responsible for the area where the clash occurred.
Cambodian leader Hun Sen vowed to protect his country's territory from foreign invaders and condemned Thailand's actions, stating that the engagement of Thai forces on Cambodian soil was a serious violation of sovereignty.The dispute has a long history, with the 1962 International Court of Justice ruling awarding Cambodia the disputed territory where the historic Preah Vihear temple stands.
Sporadic clashes occurred in 2011, and the UN court's ruling was reaffirmed in 2013 when Yingluck Shinawatra was Prime Minister.Paetongtarn's fragile coalition government has been weakened by the scandal, leading to the loss of its biggest partner, the Bhumjaithai Party.
The departure of this party has left the 10-party coalition with just over the majority of the 500-seat house.
Paetongtarn is also under investigation by the Constitutional Court and the national anti-corruption agency, with potential consequences that could lead to her removal from office.The ongoing political turmoil highlights the tensions between the Thai government and its opponents, as well as the complex historical disputes with neighboring countries such as Cambodia.
The protest was sparked by a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, which has intensified tensions between the two countries.The dispute, involving an armed confrontation on May 28 that resulted in the death of one Cambodian soldier, has led to investigations that could potentially lead to Paetongtarn's removal from office.
Protesters, many of whom are associated with the Yellow Shirts group known for their loyalty to the Thai monarchy and opposition to Paetongtarn's father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, held national flags and signs as they occupied parts of the streets around the Victory Monument in central Bangkok.The leaked phone call has sparked outrage, particularly over Paetongtarn's statement advising Hun Sen not to listen to an opponent, believed to be a reference to the regional Thai army commander responsible for the area where the clash occurred.
Cambodian leader Hun Sen vowed to protect his country's territory from foreign invaders and condemned Thailand's actions, stating that the engagement of Thai forces on Cambodian soil was a serious violation of sovereignty.The dispute has a long history, with the 1962 International Court of Justice ruling awarding Cambodia the disputed territory where the historic Preah Vihear temple stands.
Sporadic clashes occurred in 2011, and the UN court's ruling was reaffirmed in 2013 when Yingluck Shinawatra was Prime Minister.Paetongtarn's fragile coalition government has been weakened by the scandal, leading to the loss of its biggest partner, the Bhumjaithai Party.
The departure of this party has left the 10-party coalition with just over the majority of the 500-seat house.
Paetongtarn is also under investigation by the Constitutional Court and the national anti-corruption agency, with potential consequences that could lead to her removal from office.The ongoing political turmoil highlights the tensions between the Thai government and its opponents, as well as the complex historical disputes with neighboring countries such as Cambodia.
