Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Bangkok demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra step down after a controversial phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen was leaked to the public.
In the recording, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as "uncle" and dismissed a Thai military commander’s handling of a border dispute, claiming he "just wanted to look cool" and made unhelpful remarks. The tone and content of the conversation have triggered widespread public outrage and led to the withdrawal of a key party from the governing coalition.
Despite issuing an apology, Paetongtarn defended her remarks, calling them part of a “negotiation technique.” Prior to departing for flood-affected areas in northern Thailand, she addressed the media, saying citizens have the "right to protest, as long as it’s peaceful."
