Largest Rally Since 2023 Government Took Power
On June 28, thousands—estimates range from about 6,000 to 20,000—gathered peacefully at Victory Monument in central Bangkok. Organized by nationalist groups including the “Yellow Shirts” and the United Force of the Land, demonstrators demanded Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra step down following a diplomatic scandal involving Cambodia.
Trigger: Leaked Phone Call with Hun Sen
The protest erupted after a June 15 phone call between Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen was leaked. In the recording, she criticized a Thai army commander and referred to Hun Sen as “uncle,” promising to “take care” of his needs—comments that many perceived as a betrayal of national sovereignty.
Nationalist Fury Over Military Reprimand
Protesters, many aligned with royalist factions, accused the prime minister of undermining the military—a sensitive matter in Thailand. They chanted slogans like “Ung Ing, get out” (using her nickname), carried national flags and placards labeling her a “traitor” and “sell‑out PM.” One legal scholar addressed the crowd:
We are united… to safeguard our national and territorial integrity
Political Consequences and Coalition Collapse
The scandal triggered immediate political fallout:
- The Bhumjaithai Party withdrew from her coalition, stripping her of parliamentary majority.
- The United Thai Nation Party signaled potential defection.
- She now faces a looming no-confidence vote, alongside legal scrutiny by the Constitutional Court and anti-corruption bodies.
Despite surge in pressure, Paetongtarn has declared that she will not resign or dissolve parliament and insists she will remain until the next election.
Border Dispute Escalates Public Anger
This turmoil is rooted in long-standing tensions over a border clash on May 28, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The leaked call, seen as undermining Thai sovereignty, added fuel to nationalist outrage.
Economic Jitters and Coup Fears
Political instability has rattled investors. The Stock Exchange of Thailand dropped more than 4% following the leak and subsequent coalition breakdown. Given Thailand’s history of military intervention—most notably in 2006 and 2014—the rising unrest raises concerns about renewed intervention or a coup, especially amid fractured governance.
What Happens Next?
- No-confidence challenge expected when parliament resumes.
- Coalition negotiations continue, with parties weighing whether to support or topple her government.
- Potential legal rulings by courts could force resignation or trigger early elections.
This large-scale protest underscores deep nationalist sentiment in Thailand and highlights how geopolitical missteps—in this case, a private diplomatic phone call—can quickly spiral into a national crisis. With formal proceedings and possibly more mass protests ahead, the future of Paetongtarn’s premiership remains uncertain.
