Bangkok, Thailand – On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the heart of Bangkok is set to witness a big demonstration at the Victory Monument, as thousands of protesters are expected to gather in a call for the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Organized by the “Uniting the Power of the Land for the Defence of Thai Sovereignty” group, led by prominent activist Jatuporn Prompan, the rally is poised to be a pivotal moment in Thailand’s ongoing political crisis, sparked by a controversial leaked audio recording involving the Prime Minister and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
The protest stems from widespread outrage over a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Sen, which The Pattaya News covered in detail here, which critics argue compromises Thailand’s national interests. The audio, widely circulated online, allegedly features the Prime Minister discussing sensitive matters and seeking assistance from Hun Sen to stabilize her position, while referring to the commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, as being on the “opposite side.” Protesters, including the Ruam Palang Phaendin coalition—a group described as conservative, ultra-royalist, and anti-Thaksin—claim the remarks undermine Thailand’s sovereignty and demonstrate disregard for the nation’s military chain of command.
Jatuporn Prompan, a seasoned activist and leader of the People’s Unity Group, has accused the Prime Minister of no longer representing the Thai people, urging coalition partners to reconsider their support for her government. He also spoke about the symbolic importance of the Victory Monument, a landmark built in 1941 to commemorate Thailand’s victory in the Franco-Thai War, as the chosen site for the rally. “This is about protecting the sovereignty of Thailand,” Jatuporn declared, framing the protest as a defense of national pride.
The demonstration is scheduled to run from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on June 28, with activities including merit-making ceremonies, speeches, and musical performances starting in the afternoon. Organizers have coordinated with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) to ensure the event adheres to the Public Assembly Act of 2015. A stage will be set up at the Victory Monument, a major transportation hub at the intersection of Phahonyothin, Phaya Thai, Ratchawithi, and Asok-Din Daeng roads, amplifying the rally’s visibility.
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have announced the deployment of approximately 1,200 officers, including security personnel, traffic police, and plainclothes investigators, to maintain order. RTP spokesman Pol Lt Gen Archayon Kraithong stated also about the balance between safeguarding freedom of expression and ensuring public safety, urging protesters to avoid disrupting traffic or causing public inconvenience. The MPB has approved the rally with the condition that roads remain unblocked, and motorists have been advised to avoid the Victory Monument area, with alternative routes announced to mitigate disruptions.
Jatuporn has called on attendees to use public transport to reach the venue, citing concerns about potential efforts by provincial governors to restrict participation. He stressed the rally’s peaceful intent, with security guards working alongside law enforcement to ensure safety. However, the scale of the event—potentially drawing up to 150,000 protesters, according to some estimates—has raised concerns about its impact on Bangkok’s daily life.
The Victory Monument, a historic and symbolic site, has long been a focal point for political protests in Thailand, alongside the Democracy Monument. Past demonstrations, such as those in 2020–2021 against former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, have seen clashes between protesters and police, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets. Organizers and authorities alike are keen to prevent a repeat of such confrontations, with the MPB providing a hotline (1197) for public assistance during the event.
The rally’s timing, coinciding with the 84th anniversary of the Victory Monument, adds a layer of cultural significance, as organizers aim to celebrate national unity while pressing their demands. However, the event is expected to cause disruptions, with hospitals, businesses, and commuters in the area preparing for potential chaos. Social media posts reflect mixed sentiments, with some expressing frustration over traffic disruptions and others viewing the protest as a vital expression of democratic engagement.
Paetongtarn has publicly apologized for the leaked conversation, reaffirming her commitment to national sovereignty and denying any intent to undermine the military. She has also visited troops along the Thai-Cambodian border to address tensions, urging cooperation against cross-border crime. Despite these efforts, opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People’s Party has called for parliament’s dissolution, while Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja has pushed for impeachment proceedings.
For those planning to navigate Bangkok on Saturday, authorities recommend avoiding the Victory Monument area and staying informed through official channels. As the city prepares for a day of fervent protest, the balance between free expression and public order hangs in the balance, with the world watching Thailand’s next move.
