Thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok on Saturday to demand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s resignation over a leaked phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The incident has sparked outrage and investigations into the government’s handling of a recent border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.
Paetongtarn faces growing dissatisfaction over her decision-making, particularly regarding the May 28 armed confrontation in a disputed area that resulted in one Cambodian soldier’s death. Her comments towards an outspoken regional army commander have also been criticized for being perceived as attempts to appease Hun Sen.
Around 20,000 protesters joined the rally at the Victory Monument in central Bangkok, holding national flags and placards, and chanting slogans against the government. The participants, many of whom came from conservative groups known as Yellow Shirts, are calling for Paetongtarn’s resignation due to her perceived weakness and lack of protection for Thailand’s sovereignty.
The leak has led to a series of investigations, including one by the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which is looking into Paetongtarn for a serious breach of ethics. The Constitutional Court may also decide on a petition requesting her removal from office next week.
Hun Sen has responded by condemning Thailand’s action as a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two countries have a long history of border disputes, with Thailand still reeling from a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that awarded Cambodia the disputed territory where the historic Preah Vihear temple stands.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/thailand-paetongtarn-phone-cambodia-hun-sen-protest-4623304524a4e3243249ed376065f87d