Thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok on June 28, rallying at the Victory Monument to demand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s resignation amid a deepening political crisis. Organized by the nationalist group United Force of the Land, the protest marked the largest anti-government demonstration since Paetongtarn's Pheu Thai party assumed power in 2023. Many participants were senior citizens and veteran activists affiliated with the "Yellow Shirts"—a royalist group historically opposed to the Shinawatra family.

The unrest was ignited by a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s former prime minister Hun Sen, during which she appeared to criticise a senior Thai army commander and referred to Hun Sen as “uncle.” This sparked outrage among nationalist circles, who view criticism of the military as unacceptable. Protesters held banners reading “Ung Ing, get out”—using the PM’s nickname—and accused her of acting against Thailand’s sovereignty.

Her position weakened further when the Bhumjaithai Party exited her coalition, leaving her with only a narrow parliamentary majority and facing potential no-confidence proceedings. On top of that, legal challenges are pending before the Constitutional Court and anti-corruption bodies, which could threaten her tenure. The protests also reflect deeper fears about economic instability. Demonstrators warn that the political turmoil—fueled by coalition splits and diplomatic missteps with Cambodia—could harm Thailand’s fragile recovery.

Despite mounting pressure, Paetongtarn has affirmed her intention to remain in office. She has apologised for the remarks made during the call, emphasizing that peaceful protest is permitted and instructing authorities not to retaliate. Regional tensions have also increased. Hun Sen publicly lambasted Paetongtarn in a rare broadcast, intensifying the border dispute and stirring nationalist sentiment in Thailand. Thailand now stands at a critical juncture: political instability and public discontent threaten both governance and economic growth, while the specter of military intervention—though not yet desired—lingers in national memory.