Thousands Gather in Bangkok Demanding Prime Minister's Resignation

Thousands of protesters gathered at the Victory Monument in Bangkok on Saturday, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over a leaked phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The protest was led by the Ruam Palang Paendin Pokpong Athipatai (United Power of the Land to Protect Sovereignty) and drew a crowd of approximately 6,000 people by 3:30 pm, according to police estimates. The demonstration was notable for its size, as it was the largest anti-government protest since the Pheu Thai Party came to power in 2023.

Key Takeaways:

• The protest was led by the Ruam Palang Paendin Pokpong Athipatai (United Power of the Land to Protect Sovereignty) and drew a crowd of approximately 6,000 people by 3:30 pm.
• Police estimated that the crowd would surpass 10,000 by Saturday evening, anticipating a large turnout.
• A significant number of the protesters were over 50 and veterans of past rallies against the governments of Ms. Paetongtarn's father, Thaksin, and her aunt, Yingluck.
• Attendees were encouraged to wear white, as opposed to the traditional yellow shirts associated with past protests, to demonstrate unity and solidarity.
• The protest drew attention from renowned political activists, including Jatuporn Prompan, Panthep Puaponfpan, Phichit Chaimongkol, and Sondhi Limthongkul, who provided speeches and music to the crowd.
• Warong Detkijwikrom, an ultra-royalist politician, addressed the crowd, accusing Ms. Paetongtarn of "selling the country" to Cambodia, rather than simply being "corrupt."
• Authorities implemented a range of security measures, including the deployment of over 200 CCTV cameras, drones, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, as well as the presence of eight K9 dogs and eight security checkpoints.
• As of 4 pm, officers had confiscated seven knives and 17 box cutters, and arrested one individual on an arrest warrant related to the Computer Crime Act.

Statistics:

• The protest drew an estimated 6,000 people by 3:30 pm, with anticipation of surpassing 10,000 by the end of the day.
• Over 200 CCTV cameras and drones were deployed by police to monitor the area.
• Four ambulances were on standby for any emergencies.
• Approximately 200 protesters gathered in Nakhon Ratchasima, leading to the departure of four tour buses and two vans bound for Bangkok.
• A tour bus and three vans departed from Phitsanulok, carrying 80 people to the capital.

Sources:

• "Thousands of protesters gather in Bangkok demanding PM's resignation", Bangkok Post
• "Police estimate crowd at 6,000, with anticipation of surpassing 10,000 by evening", Nation Thailand
• "Protesters gather at Victory Monument in Bangkok", Thai PBS World
• "Paetongtarn instructs security authorities to monitor protest", Thaipost
• "Constitutional Court to consider accepting complaint against PM", MCOT News