New anti-Paetongtarn group draws scrutiny

Future uncertain after Saturday rally

- PORAMET TANGSATHAPORN SOOKSODSAI SOOKSOMCHITRA

Political observers are closely watching the trajectory of the "United Front to Defend Thai Sovereignty", a new group that has emerged as a vocal critic of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Its future remains uncertain following a large protest at Bangkok's Victory Monument on Saturday, which exceeded expectations in turnout.

The peaceful demonstration demanded Ms Paetongtarn's resignation amid growing dissatisfaction with her leadership, prompting speculation about whether further protests will follow.

The rally took place amid rising political tensions, with the ruling coalition facing internal rifts and a decline in public confidence.

Panitan Wattanayagorn, a political and security analyst, said the protest was notable for uniting figures from former rival groups, including red shirts, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), aka yellow shirts, and the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), as well as academics and some senators.

"It was the largest such convergence in years," he said, particularly surprising given the red shirts' traditional alignment with the ruling party.

However, Mr Panitan noted the protest's unity was superficial, as only a few prominent figures from each group took part, and ideological divisions remained.