Fact Check: Thousands Protest in Bangkok Demanding PM Paetongtarn's Resignation
What We Know
On June 28, 2025, thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The protests were triggered by the leak of a 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 involved in a border dispute as someone who "just wanted to look cool" (Reuters, BBC). The rally at the Victory Monument was described as the largest anti-government protest since the Pheu Thai party came to power in 2023, with demonstrators holding placards that read "PM is enemy of state" (BBC, The Guardian).
The protest was organized by a coalition that has historically opposed Shinawatra-led governments, and participants expressed concerns about the prime minister's capability to lead, especially in light of the ongoing border tensions with Cambodia (Reuters, BBC). Paetongtarn acknowledged the protests as the people's right but faced potential judicial scrutiny regarding her conduct during the leaked call (Reuters, BBC).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that "thousands protest in Bangkok demanding PM Paetongtarn's resignation" is robust. Multiple reputable news sources, including Reuters, BBC, and The Guardian, confirm the occurrence of large-scale protests in Bangkok, specifically calling for the prime minister's resignation. The protests were notably large, with participants braving adverse weather conditions, which adds to the credibility of the reports.
The sources used are reliable and well-regarded in the field of journalism. Reuters and BBC are known for their rigorous reporting standards and have correspondents on the ground in Thailand, which enhances the reliability of their accounts. The Guardian also provides a thorough overview of the events, corroborating the claims made by other outlets (Reuters, BBC, The Guardian).
However, it is important to note that the protests are rooted in a complex political context, including historical tensions between the Shinawatra family and various political factions in Thailand. This background may influence the framing of the events, but the fundamental fact of the protests and their scale remains consistent across sources.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "thousands protest in Bangkok demanding PM Paetongtarn's resignation" is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that significant numbers of protesters gathered in Bangkok, driven by public anger over a leaked phone call and broader political dissatisfaction. The protests represent a notable moment in Thailand's ongoing political landscape, reflecting deep-seated issues related to governance and public trust.
