Fact Check: Protesters label PM as 'enemy of state' amid growing unrest
What We Know
Recent protests in Bangkok have seen thousands of demonstrators calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The protests were sparked by a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, which raised questions about her judgment and loyalty. During the protests, demonstrators held placards stating that the "PM is enemy of state" and expressed their dissatisfaction with her leadership amid ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia (Switch TV).
The protest, which took place at the Victory Monument, was described as the largest since Paetongtarn's Pheu Thai Party assumed power in 2023. The leaked recording revealed Paetongtarn referring to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticizing a Thai military commander, further fueling public outrage (Switch TV).
Analysis
The claim that protesters labeled PM Paetongtarn as the "enemy of state" is substantiated by multiple eyewitness accounts and media reports. The protests were organized by nationalist groups who have historically opposed the Shinawatra family, indicating a significant political backdrop to the unrest (Switch TV).
The source of this information, a news article from Switch TV, provides direct quotes from protesters and details about the context of the protests, enhancing its reliability. The article notes that the protests were not only a reaction to the leaked call but also a broader expression of dissatisfaction with the government's handling of national sovereignty issues (Switch TV).
While the article does not present opposing viewpoints, the nature of the protests and the slogans used by demonstrators suggest a widespread sentiment against the PM, reinforcing the claim that she is viewed as an "enemy of state" by significant segments of the population.
Conclusion
The claim that protesters labeled PM Paetongtarn as the "enemy of state" is True. The evidence from the protests, including demonstrators' placards and statements, clearly supports this assertion. The context of the protests, driven by political dissatisfaction and nationalistic sentiments, further validates the claim.
