‘Yellow shirts’ return to Bangkok streets, demand Thai PM quit

BANGKOK - Hundreds of anti-government protesters gathered outside Thailand’s Government House on June 19, demanding that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign over

a leaked phone call

with former Cambodian prime minister and current Senate president Hun Sen which triggered public outrage.

The scandal rocked Ms Paetongtarn’s coalition after the

Bhumjaithai party, a key partner, pulled out

on the evening of June 18, accusing her of undermining the country and insulting the dignity of the military.

The leaked call, in which she referred to the Thai army’s north-eastern commander as her opponent and addressed Mr Hun Sen as “uncle”, has drawn strong public backlash.

The protest, held in scorching heat, drew mostly elderly demonstrators wearing yellow shirts – the colour strongly associated with Thailand’s monarchy – who accused the 38-year-old leader of “lacking diplomatic skills” and “endangering national interests”.

“I was very disappointed when I heard the (leaked) audio,” said Ms Kanya Hanotee, 68, a temple worker. “She lacks negotiation skills. Who does she think she is? This country is not hers.”

Protesters waved Thai flags and placards labelling Ms Paetongtarn a “traitor” and chanted “Get out!” and “Go to hell!” while dozens of riot police stood nearby.

Many in the crowd were long-time supporters of the conservative, pro-royalist “Yellow Shirt” movement, which has fiercely opposed the Shinawatra political dynasty since the 2000s.

A 62-year-old housewife from Bangkok, who wanted to be known only as Ms Kaewta, said she joined Yellow Shirt protests near Bangkok’s Democracy Monument two decades ago.

“I didn’t support any political party. All I knew was that I hated Thaksin and his family,” she said. “Our politicians are all corrupt.”

The battle between the conservative pro-royal establishment and Mr Thaksin’s political movement backed by its own “Red Shirt” supporters has dominated Thai politics for more than 20 years.

Yellow Shirts, backed by Royalists and business elites, led 2008 protests that shut Bangkok’s airports, stranded tourists and helped topple a Thaksin-linked government.

In 2010, pro-Thaksin “Red Shirt” protesters rallied in Bangkok in opposition to the military-backed government, ending in a bloody crackdown that left more than 90 people dead.

“The power has been passed from her father to her aunt, and now to her,” said Mr Mek Sumet, 59, an electrical equipment seller who took part in the 2008 Don Mueang airport occupation.

“She doesn’t think of the country but only of herself,” he said.

Thailand has had a dozen coups since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932 and the current crisis has triggered rumours that another may be in the offing.

Despite the country’s long history of coups, some protestors openly welcomed the idea of another military intervention.

“I want the military to take control,” Ms Kanya said.

“We are thinking long-term. It will be positive for the country.” AFP