Protester Pichit criticizes Prime Minister as the 'weakest link' in a passionate rally advocating for national sovereignty.
In a rally at Victory Monument in Bangkok on Saturday, Pichit Chaimongkol, the leader of the Network of Students and People for the Reform of Thailand, accused Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of being the nation's "weakest link."
Pichit's main criticisms against Prime Minister Paetongtarn center on accusations that she has compromised national security. This specifically relates to a leaked phone call in June between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, during which Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as "uncle" and criticized a Thai military commander. The incident sparked public outrage, allegations of ethical violations, and calls for her immediate resignation without waiting for the Constitutional Court's ruling, which led to Paetongtarn's suspension from office.
Pichit claimed that the audio clip, which he described as a "tactic of betrayal" and selling out the military leadership to Hun Sen, would serve as proof of national failure and betrayal. He challenged the public to stand with the military that defends sovereignty, not with Paetongtarn's government.
Pichit also criticized the appointment of Thaksin's close associates to Cabinet posts, specifically mentioning Pichit Chuenban, a lawyer nicknamed "the snack bag attorney." He asserted that the country's downward spiral started on a specific day, August 22, 2023, which marked the return of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the appointment of Srettha Thavisin as prime minister.
The rally was focused on ousting the government and stopping a government that is destroying the country. It was also focused on defending Thai sovereignty. Pichit concluded his speech by laying out three demands: Paetongtarn to resign, coalition parties to withdraw from the government, and the public to rise up together to defend Thai sovereignty.
Pichit claimed that the coalition government was formed at Thaksin's Chan Song La residence, which he labeled "the home of traitors." He also asserted that without Paetongtarn, the country is stronger and without a Cambodian infiltrator, the country moves forward.
Pichit further claimed that Paetongtarn lacks competence, is clueless, and lacks knowledge. He stated that the current government is failing in politics, the economy, and the justice system, and that they are propping up Thaksin. He also criticized Paetongtarn for her inability to read correctly from an iPad script.
Pichit warned that if the government insists on legalizing casinos, the government might collapse alongside the casinos. His warnings and accusations have added fuel to the ongoing protests against the government, which continue to gather momentum in Bangkok.
- Pichit's criticisms toward Prime Minister Paetongtarn extend beyond national security, as he also accuses her of weak policies and legislation, citing her inability to competently navigate politics, the economy, and the justice system.
- Thecontroversial appointment of Thaksin's associates to Cabinet posts, such as Pichit Chuenban, has been a point of contention for critics who argue it contributes to the downward spiral of the country.
- Amid ongoing protests in Bangkok, Pichit's accusations of ethical violations against Paetongtarn, her compromised national security, and her associations with foreign leaders like former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, have added fuel to the fire of public demand for policy changes in war-and-conflicts and general-news areas.
- As the leader of the Network of Students and People for the Reform of Thailand, Pichit is not only rallying opposition to Paetongtarn's government, but also advocating for public safety by urging citizens to stand with the military and defend Thai sovereignty against potential threats from war-and-conflicts and foreign infiltration.
