A protest movement led by the Ruam Palang Paendin group has announced plans for a mass rally in mid-August, aiming to pressure Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to step down and call for coalition parties to exit the current government.
The announcement follows a recent peaceful demonstration at Bangkok’s Victory Monument on June 28. Prime Minister Paetongtarn was suspended from her official duties by the Constitutional Court on July 2, though she remains in the role while the court considers its final ruling.
Jatuporn Prompan, a key figure in the Ruam Palang Paendin group, emphasized the movement’s opposition to both a military coup and Paetongtarn’s leadership. He accused the Pheu Thai Party of double standards, criticizing its partnership with the United Nation and Palang Pracharath parties—both associated with past military-backed governments—despite its public anti-coup stance.
He also criticized the People’s party, the parliamentary opposition, for what he described as weak political accountability. Jatuporn referenced unresolved cases, including the Khao Hai land issue and the Alpine golf course controversy, alleging that the opposition has sufficient grounds to petition the Constitutional Court but has refrained from doing so.
The People’s party has also withheld support for Bhumjaithai’s attempt to initiate a no-confidence motion against Paetongtarn, further fueling criticism of its commitment to its oversight role.
Jatuporn argued that the opposition’s inaction undermines its authority to denounce protest groups, asserting that the group’s efforts are grounded in democratic resistance rather than support for unconstitutional change.
The June 28 protest drew a significant crowd but remained peaceful. Among those present were several long-time critics of the government and former political figures, although organizers have said the focus remains on citizens’ voices.
