Protesters rally in Bangkok, demanding resignation of prime minister
A massive rally was held in Thailand to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Local media report about 17,000 protesters, including conservative supporters, joined the rally in Bangkok on Saturday.
The demonstration was triggered by a leaked telephone conversation on June 15 between the prime minister and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is currently Senate President.
In the recording, Paetongtarn reportedly made negative remarks about a Thai army regional commander. A territorial dispute between Thailand and neighboring Cambodia has been escalating since May.
Public dissatisfaction over the prime minister's handling of the conflict exploded after the leaked audio.
Some protesters said the prime minister is too weak on Cambodia. They chanted, demanding that the prime minister leave office.
On June 19, the second-largest ruling party pulled itself out of the ruling coalition in protest. The following day, a group of Senators submitted formal letters to the Constitutional Court, requesting the removal of the prime minister from office.
Paetongtarn has not given into the demands.
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