Fact Check: Thai PM's leaked call sparks largest protest since her party took power.

Fact Check: Thai PM's Leaked Call Sparks Largest Protest Since Her Party Took Power

What We Know

Recently, thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This protest was triggered by a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, in which she referred to him as "uncle" and criticized a Thai military commander's handling of a border dispute. The call has been described as a "negotiation technique" by Paetongtarn, who later apologized for her comments but faced significant public backlash (Reuters, BBC).

The protest on June 28, 2025, is reported to be the largest since the ruling Pheu Thai party came to power in 2023, with estimates of around 20,000 participants (AP News, Al Jazeera). Protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with Paetongtarn's leadership, particularly regarding her handling of the border dispute with Cambodia, which has escalated tensions between the two countries (New York Times).

Analysis

The claim that the leaked call has sparked the largest protest since the Pheu Thai party assumed power is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The protests were characterized by significant turnout despite adverse weather conditions, indicating a high level of public sentiment against the Prime Minister (BBC, AP News).

The sources reporting on the protests include major news outlets such as Reuters, BBC, and Al Jazeera, which are generally considered reliable. These outlets provide consistent details about the nature of the protests, the reasons behind them, and the context of the leaked call. The protests were organized by a coalition that has historically opposed Shinawatra-led governments, suggesting a long-standing political tension that has been reignited by recent events (Reuters, New York Times).

However, it is essential to note that while the protests are significant, the framing of the situation may vary slightly across different media outlets. For instance, some sources emphasize the historical context of the Shinawatra family's political legacy, which could influence public perception (Al Jazeera).

Conclusion

The claim that the leaked call from Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra has sparked the largest protest since her party took power is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that the protests were indeed the largest since the Pheu Thai party's rise to power in 2023, driven by public outrage over the leaked conversation and the Prime Minister's perceived inadequacies in handling national sovereignty issues.

Fact Check: Thai PM's leaked call sparks largest protest since her party took power.