Bangkok — Thailand is facing its most significant political unrest since the 2023 elections, as thousands of protesters flooded Bangkok’s streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The unrest stems from a recent diplomatic scandal involving Cambodia, which has intensified calls for a leadership change and placed the stability of the ruling coalition in jeopardy.

The protests, organized by nationalist and royalist groups including the “United Force of the Land” and “Yellow Shirts,” took place at the Victory Monument and were triggered by the leak of a controversial phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. In the recording, Paetongtarn appeared to criticize Thai military leaders and offered conciliatory remarks toward Hun Sen, prompting accusations from critics that she undermined national sovereignty.

This diplomatic blunder followed a deadly border skirmish between Thai and Cambodian forces on May 28, in which a Cambodian soldier was killed. The tension has exacerbated already fraught relations between the two countries, particularly over long-standing disputes like the Preah Vihear temple region.

The fallout from the phone call has sparked political instability. On June 18, the Bhumjaithai Party, a major coalition partner, withdrew its support for the government, citing the prime minister’s failure to defend national interests. Another key ally, the United Thai Nation Party, has issued an ultimatum demanding Paetongtarn step down or face further desertions from the coalition.

Adding to the pressure, a group of 69 senators has filed a petition with the Constitutional Court and the National Anti-Corruption Commission, requesting an ethics investigation into the prime minister’s conduct. The outcome could result in her suspension or removal from office. The Constitutional Court is expected to review the case by July 1.

Despite the mounting pressure, Paetongtarn has refused to resign, insisting that she still commands the confidence of the remaining coalition partners. She visited military units near the Cambodian border and apologized publicly for her comments, but maintained that she would not dissolve parliament or leave office voluntarily.

The political crisis comes at a time of economic fragility. The Thai economy, already reeling from slow post-pandemic recovery, is facing renewed investor anxiety. The stock market has dropped over 20 percent this year, reaching a five-year low. Delays in the passage of the 2026 national budget, coupled with rising household debt and sluggish GDP growth, have intensified economic concerns.

Observers warn that the current crisis could mirror past episodes of Thai political upheaval, particularly those involving the Shinawatra political dynasty. The prospect of a no-confidence vote looms large as parliament is set to reconvene next week. If Paetongtarn loses parliamentary support, her government could collapse, leading to a snap election or a potential military intervention.

For now, Thailand remains at a political crossroads, with its democratic institutions, economic recovery, and regional relations hanging in the balance. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the prime minister can survive this political storm or if the country will enter a new chapter of instability.