Crowds begin gathering to call for PM’s ouster over Hun Sen audio leak

Protesters from Bangkok and several provinces are streaming into the Victory Monument area this morning to join a rally, organised by the “Ruam Palang Paendin Pokpong Atippatai Thai” (United Force to Protect Thai Sovereignty), to demand the resignation of the Thai PM over the content of a leaked conversation between her and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.

The rally, which had been scheduled to start at 4pm, was brought forward to 9.30am with the holding of a merit-making ceremony, to be followed by the delivery of speeches by protest leaders between concert performances.

A stage has been set up facing Phahonyothin Road, to reduce any disturbance to patients in nearby hospitals. One traffic lane around the monument has been closed to traffic and tents have been set up to accommodate protesters who may need to take a rest during the day-long rally, scheduled to end at 9pm.

Similar rallies are being held in about ten provinces.

Pol Lt-Gen Archayon Kraithong, spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, said that they have no plan to close the whole Victory Monument circus to traffic, but motorists are advised to avoid the area.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said this morning that she is ready to talk with the protest leaders, if they want to, as she hopes that the protest will be peaceful.

She added that she has instructed officials concerned to ensure peace and order during the rallies.

The prime minister flew to Chiang Rai province today, to observe the flood situation and to deliver relief kits to flood victims.