Protests demand resignation of Thai PM

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of the Thai capital Bangkok to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Phaythonggarn Shinawatra. His leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has sparked public anger. In the conversation, leaked on June 15, Phaythonggarn advises Hun Sen not to listen to the “other side” of Thailand (some members of the opposition and the military). He specifically mentions an army general who “only wants to appear strong”.

The general was in charge of clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border last month, in which a Cambodian soldier was killed (May 28). On Saturday (June 28), protesters gathered in the streets around Bangkok’s Victory Monument, holding national flags and placards. Speakers on a large stage expressed their love for Thailand despite the border tensions.

In the wake of this phone call, several investigations have been launched in Thailand, which may also be the reason for the fall of Pyaytongarn. Protesters claim, ‘He has betrayed the interests of the country’. Pyaytongarn Shinawatra is a member of Thailand’s influential Shinawatra family. His government is already facing an economic crisis and political division. The protests have created new challenges for him.

The current president of the Cambodian Senate and still influential in the country’s politics, Hun Sen, has not yet commented directly on the issue. However, analysts believe that this incident could create new tensions between the two countries. Protesters have warned, ‘They will continue the movement until Pyaytongarn resigns.’ Now the biggest question is how the government will deal with this crisis.

It is worth noting that political unrest has been going on in Thailand for the past few years. Pyaytongarn’s government is facing criticism from the opposition and the military. Analysts believe that the leak of this phone call could further weaken his position.