Rally demands PM resign over clip

Supporters of the United Front to Defend Thai Sovereignty rallied yesterday at Victory Monument, calling for suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s immediate resignation.

- ANUCHA CHAROENPO

The rally, which drew some 1,000 participants, was sparked by escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border and a leaked audio clip between Ms Paetongtarn and Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen in June.

The leaked conversation included derogatory remarks about the commander of the 2nd Army Region, labelling him an adversary, along with a submissive tone towards the Cambodian strongman, in which Ms Paetongtarn appeared willing to comply with Hun Sen’s demands.

Protesters waved Thai flags and delivered speeches in both Thai and Khmer to express solidarity with Thai soldiers on the front line and condemn the Cambodian military’s actions.

The group issued three demands: First, Ms Paetongtarn must resign without waiting for a Constitutional Court ruling.

Second, coalition parties must withdraw from the government. And third, all parties must take a firm stance to defend national sovereignty.

Pichit Chaimongkol, one of the group’s leaders, accused Ms Paetongtarn of undermining national security, citing her remarks about the regional army commander and her conversation with Hun Sen.

Mr Pichit claimed the leaked clip emboldened Cambodia and contributed to the outbreak of armed conflict, resulting in both civilian and military casualties.