At 11:00 a.m. on June 19, at Chamai Maruchet Bridge, Mr. Phichit Chaimongkol, a leader of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) Student and People’s Network for Thailand Reform (KPT), and Maj. Gen. Dr. Rienthong Nanna, Director of Mongkutwattana Hospital, jointly announced their stance regarding the ongoing protest.
Mr. Phichit declared that the time was up for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration. He criticized her response to Thai-Cambodian relations, stating that while Thailand historically stands firm to protect its sovereignty, the current government appeared to embrace Cambodia rather than assert national interests. The leaked audio revealed, he claimed, that the Prime Minister was more focused on preserving her position than defending the nation.
He also accused the Prime Minister of undermining Thai military leadership by implying that military officials were not “on her side,” reflecting a prioritization of personal relationships over national security. Mr. Phichit said the border negotiations seemed to entirely favor Cambodia, equating the actions to a betrayal of the country’s dignity and sovereignty.
On behalf of the KPT, he called on all coalition parties to withdraw from the government and demanded that the Prime Minister apologize to the nation and resign immediately.
He further announced plans for a major protest from Saturday, June 21, through June 24, during which demonstrators will surround all entrances to Government House to pressure the Prime Minister to step down.
Maj. Gen. Dr. Rienthong, who also attended the event, stated he spoke as a citizen and former ally of the people’s movement. He said the Prime Minister should not see the military as adversaries, asserting no Thai leader has ever done so unless they were leading a foreign government. He added that the Prime Minister had no reason to make appeasing phone calls to Hun Sen, suggesting that defending another nation’s interests was unnecessary. He concluded by saying that all patriotic Thais would likely share his sentiment.