Tens of Thousands Protest in Bangkok Against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Over Border Dispute with Cambodia

Strategic Insights -

Tens of thousands of protesters braved monsoon rains in Bangkok to express their discontent with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's handling of the escalating border dispute with Cambodia. The protest, organized by the nationalist group United Force of the Land, was one of the largest demonstrations against the prime minister in recent history. Protest leaders, including Parnthep Pourpongpan, criticized Paetongtarn's leadership, accusing her of being the problem behind the ongoing tensions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protest, which took place on Saturday, saw around 17,000 demonstrators show up despite monsoon rains, according to Bangkok police.
  • Protesters chanted "Ung Ing, get out," using the prime minister's nickname, and demanded her resignation.
  • The dispute with Cambodia surrounding the historic Buddhist temple Preah Vihear has been ongoing since May 28, when a border skirmish broke out between Thai and Cambodian armies.
  • Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faced criticism for a leaked phone call with Cambodia's former prime minister Hun Sen, in which she referred to a Thai military commander as her "opponent" and called Hun Sen "uncle."
  • The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple belonged to Cambodia, a decision that has been upheld by the UN court in 2013.
  • Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen accused the Thai army of a serious violation of Cambodia's sovereignty in the recent border skirmish.

Statistics:

  • 17,000 protesters showed up to the demonstration despite monsoon rains.
  • The border dispute with Cambodia has been ongoing since May 28.
  • The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple belonged to Cambodia.
  • The UN court reaffirmed its earlier ruling in 2013.

Sources:

  • Bangkok police
  • United Force of the Land (protest organizers)
  • International Court of Justice
  • Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen (speech at the 74th anniversary celebration of the founding of his long-ruling Cambodian People's Party)