Fact Check: PM Paetongtarn's Leaked Call Sparks Largest Protest Since 2023 Election
What We Know
On June 28, 2025, thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This protest was primarily triggered by a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, which has been described as the largest anti-government demonstration since the 2023 election (Reuters, AP News). Estimates suggest that around 20,000 people participated in the rally, despite inclement weather (AP News). The protest was characterized by a strong nationalistic sentiment, with demonstrators voicing dissatisfaction over Paetongtarn's handling of a recent border dispute with Cambodia and her perceived weakness in negotiations (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that the protest is the largest since the 2023 election is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported that the demonstration was part of a growing political turmoil stemming from the leaked call, which has led to public outrage and calls for Paetongtarn's resignation (AP News). The protest was organized by a group advocating for Thai sovereignty, indicating a significant mobilization of public sentiment against the government (New York Times).
However, it is important to assess the reliability of the sources reporting these events. The Associated Press and Reuters are well-established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards. Their reports provide detailed accounts of the protests and the political context surrounding them, making them reliable sources for this claim (Reuters, AP News). The New York Times also provides a comprehensive analysis of the situation, further corroborating the scale of the protests and the public's reaction to the leaked call (New York Times).
While there may be some variation in the reported number of protesters, the consensus among these sources indicates that the protests are indeed significant in scale and importance, marking a pivotal moment in Thai politics.
Conclusion
The claim that PM Paetongtarn's leaked call sparked the largest protest since the 2023 election is True. The evidence from multiple credible news sources confirms that the protests were extensive, driven by public dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister's actions, and represent a critical juncture in Thailand's political landscape.
