Despite heavy rain, thousands of protesters assembled at the Victory Monument in Bangkok on Saturday, demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra step down. The protests stem from a leaked June 15 conversation with Cambodia's longtime leader Hun Sen, in which Shinawatra's comments about the Thai military drew public ire. The police reported over 6,000 participants, with the gathering largely peaceful, a critical sign in a nation where protests have historically led to regime changes.
The leaked audio has painted Shinawatra in a compromising light, with critics accusing her of prioritizing personal gains over national interests. Responding to the growing unrest, the prime minister acknowledged the public’s right to protest, stating, “I am open to discussing matters peacefully.” Despite calls for her resignation, she emphasized her intention not to retaliate against protesters. Meanwhile, concerns loom over the military's potential reaction, though analysts currently foresee no immediate coup. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Thailand's political landscape.
The leaked audio has painted Shinawatra in a compromising light, with critics accusing her of prioritizing personal gains over national interests. Responding to the growing unrest, the prime minister acknowledged the public’s right to protest, stating, “I am open to discussing matters peacefully.” Despite calls for her resignation, she emphasized her intention not to retaliate against protesters. Meanwhile, concerns loom over the military's potential reaction, though analysts currently foresee no immediate coup. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Thailand's political landscape.
