Mass protests erupted in Bangkok on Saturday as thousands of demonstrators demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, following the leak of a controversial phone conversation with Cambodia’s influential former leader, Hun Sen.

According to police estimates, more than 6,000 people had gathered by the afternoon at Victory Monument a key landmark in the capital.

Despite a heavy downpour, the protests remained largely peaceful but underscored growing public outrage over the leaked call, which many viewed as disrespectful to Thailand’s military and overly submissive to Cambodia.

The demonstration has become a flashpoint in a country with a long history of political unrest and military coups. While tensions are rising, analysts believe the risk of a fresh coup remains low for now.

The uproar centers on a June 15 phone call between 38-year-old Paetongtarn and 72-year-old Hun Sen, who ruled Cambodia for decades and continues to hold sway as the head of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.

In the audio recording, Paetongtarn refers to Hun Sen as “uncle” and offers to “arrange anything” he needs remarks critics say betray national sovereignty.

“She’s putting her own interests above the country’s,” said 66-year-old protester Patcharee Twitchsri, a former insurance worker. “She lacks both experience and loyalty.”

In response, Paetongtarn has condemned the leak and defended her remarks as part of a diplomatic approach to resolve ongoing tensions along the Thai Cambodian border.

Speaking in Chiang Rai on Saturday during a visit to flood-affected areas, she acknowledged citizens' right to protest and stressed her willingness to listen. “I welcome dialogue. I don’t plan to retaliate,” she said.

Saturday’s protest carried a strong nationalist tone. Many demonstrators waved Thai flags or wore shirts emblazoned with a map of Thailand and a line from the national anthem:

“The Thai love peace, but don’t fear war.” The rally was organized by a group calling itself “Uniting the Power of the Land for the Defense of Thai Sovereignty.”