Thai Protesters Demand Resignation, Back Military Amid Border Tensions

Protesters assembled in Bangkok on Saturday, calling for the resignation of the court-suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The demonstration also expressed support for the armed forces following a violent border dispute with Cambodia. This conflict resulted in numerous fatalities and the displacement of a significant number of people.

The rally took place at Bangkok’s Victory Monument, with participants enduring high temperatures. They sang patriotic songs and listened to speeches that criticized Paetongtarn and her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The protesters also voiced their backing of the Thai army, which has historically held considerable influence in the country. Police estimated approximately 2,000 protesters by mid-afternoon, with expectations of more joining as the day cooled.

Some locals have accused Paetongtarn and her family of contributing to the escalation of the border conflict, a long-standing issue between Thailand and Cambodia. These accusations stem from their perceived close relationship with Cambodia’s former prime minister, Hun Sen. Paetongtarn was suspended by a court last month after Hun Sen leaked a phone call in which she referred to him as “uncle” and appeared to disparage a Thai general, causing public outrage.

The most recent clashes concluded with a ceasefire brokered by Malaysia on July 29. Protesters, including prominent figures, directly called for Paetongtarn's resignation, citing the loss of life and accusing her of damaging the country. Others echoed these sentiments, stating that Thaksin and his family should no longer be involved in the country's governance.

The demonstration included many individuals associated with a conservative, pro-royalist group, historically known as the Yellow Shirts. This group has long opposed Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a military coup in 2006. Thaksin, a wealthy businessman, entered politics by establishing his own political party and gaining support from local political figures. He faced accusations of intimidating critics and blurring the lines between his business interests and government affairs. The Yellow Shirts also played a role in the 2014 coup that removed Thaksin’s sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, from power. The Thai army's significant role in politics is evident through its history of successful coups since the country became a constitutional monarchy.