The demonstration at Bangkok’s Victory Monument marks the second large-scale protest since June, with participants waving Thai flags and demanding protection of national sovereignty. The backlash was triggered by a leaked recording in which Paetongtarn appeared to criticize Thailand’s military and speak submissively to Hun Sen during a call about escalating border tensions.

The recent five-day clash with Cambodia—the most severe in decades—ended in a ceasefire on Monday but left unresolved territorial and political disputes. Protesters accused the prime minister of undermining the Thai military during the crisis. “Sovereignty is something that you can’t negotiate,” one protester said, calling her behavior unforgivable.

The Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn last month and is reviewing a case filed by 36 senators accusing her of breaching ethics. She is expected to submit her written defense on Monday.

Shinawatra Family Under Legal Siege

The Shinawatra political dynasty is under intensified scrutiny. Paetongtarn’s father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, faces a separate criminal trial for allegedly insulting the monarchy, with a verdict due on August 22. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

Thaksin returned to Thailand in 2023 after 15 years in exile, following corruption convictions. Though sentenced, he never served time in prison and was instead held in a VIP hospital suite, a move now under investigation by the Supreme Court for alleged preferential treatment.

Paetongtarn’s support has plummeted, with polls showing her approval rating falling to 9.2% in late June. Over 80% of respondents said she should resign or dissolve parliament. Some even expressed nostalgia for former coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha.

The protests and legal turmoil signal a volatile political period ahead for Thailand, with the Shinawatras again at the center of national controversy.