Hundreds of demonstrators rallied in central Bangkok on Saturday, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra amid escalating tensions over her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia. The protest, held at the Victory Monument, marked the largest public backlash against her administration since the Pheu Thai Party returned to power in 2023.

Organized by the nationalist-leaning United Force of the Land coalition, the demonstration comes at a critical time for Paetongtarn, who faces mounting political pressure ahead of a no-confidence vote and growing dissent within her governing coalition.

Protesters waving Thai flags and chanting anti-government slogans accused the 38-year-old leader of compromising national sovereignty. Their anger was fueled by a leaked phone call in which Paetongtarn appeared to criticize a senior Thai military official during a conversation with Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen — a move widely perceived as undermining the military’s stature in Thai politics.

Though Paetongtarn issued an apology and defended the protest as a legitimate expression of public sentiment, her hold on power appears increasingly fragile. “It is their right to protest, and I will not retaliate,” she told reporters Saturday.

The fallout has already had significant political consequences. Last week, the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew from the ruling coalition, citing concerns over the prime minister’s conduct and national security implications from the leaked conversation. With her parliamentary majority now in question, Paetongtarn could face a no-confidence motion when lawmakers reconvene next week.

Further complicating matters, a group of senators has petitioned the Constitutional Court and the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate her actions — potentially setting the stage for her removal from office.

Diplomatic tensions have also flared. In a rare and fiery public address, Hun Sen harshly criticized Paetongtarn and her political lineage, calling for a change in Thailand’s leadership — a highly unusual breach of diplomatic norms. Thailand’s foreign ministry condemned the remarks as “extraordinary” but reiterated its commitment to resolving the border issue through diplomatic channels.

The domestic unrest and regional friction have begun to impact investor sentiment, raising fears about Thailand’s economic stability. The situation has drawn comparisons to past periods of political unrest involving the Shinawatra family, which culminated in military coups in 2006 and 2014.

As the political crisis deepens, analysts warn that the country may be heading toward another turbulent chapter in its long-running struggle between elected governments and entrenched institutional powers.