Bangkok: Thai protesters have staged the largest anti-government demonstration since the Pheu Thai party returned to power in 2023, demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s immediate resignation.
Hundreds assembled near Bangkok’s Victory Monument on Saturday, voicing anger over the government’s handling of a sensitive border dispute with Cambodia and concerns about the weakening economy.
The protest, organized by the United Force of the Land, a coalition of nationalist groups that has historically opposed Shinawatra family-led administrations, highlights deepening frustration that could destabilize Thailand’s fragile political environment.
Although previous rallies did not directly topple Shinawatra-backed governments, they contributed to legal rulings and military takeovers in 2006 and 2014.
The Thai PM has said that she is not worried about the demonstration and instructed security forces to ensure that the gathering remains peaceful. Shinawatra controls only a slim majority in parliament after the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew its support last week, citing threats to Thailand’s sovereignty.
The fallout stems from a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s former premier Hun Sen, in which she criticized a senior Thai army commander, a sensitive issue in a country where the military holds significant sway. The conversation has sparked a Constitutional Court petition and a separate anti-corruption probe that could lead to her removal from office.
Many fear that the political turmoil triggered by the Thai protesters could derail Thailand’s already fragile economic recovery and weaken investor confidence. As parliament prepares to reconvene, the prime minister could face a no confidence motion that tests her hold on power once more.
In the face of mounting challenges, Thai protesters continue to push for change, amplifying calls for leadership accountability and stable governance.
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