Firm Stance Against Military Action
Party Issues Clear Directive
On June 30, 2025, the People’s Party, Thailand’s leading opposition group, issued a stern reminder to its members, prohibiting any support for military coups to resolve the ongoing political turmoil. Secretary-general Sarayut Jailak’s public memo emphasized that members must not cross the “party line” by endorsing or participating in activities that could encourage military intervention, reinforcing the party’s commitment to democratic solutions.
Demand for Democratic Resolution
Call for House Dissolution
The party reiterated its demand for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to dissolve the House of Representatives, allowing voters to decide the government’s fate. This call comes amid public outrage over a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, which has destabilized the Pheu Thai-led coalition, with 70% of polled citizens expressing distrust, per a June 2025 NIDA survey.
Opposition Leader’s Warning
Natthaphong Opposes Non-Democratic Means
Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, speaking on June 29, firmly opposed any actions that could pave the way for military involvement. He stressed that the People’s Party rejects non-democratic solutions, urging resilience against exploiting the government’s failures to justify a coup. This stance aligns with Thailand’s history of 12 military coups since 1932, which have often disrupted democratic progress.
Protest Sparks Coup Concerns
Rally Highlights Tensions
The party’s statement followed a June 28 anti-government rally at Victory Monument, organized by the United Power of the Land to Protect Sovereignty group. Protest leader Sondhi Limthongkul warned of potential military interference but clarified he did not support a coup. The event, attended by thousands, amplified public frustration with Paetongtarn’s leadership, fueling speculation about political instability.
Advocacy Groups Echo Concerns
Campaign for Popular Democracy’s Stand
On June 30, the Campaign for Popular Democracy, a coalition of 15 advocacy groups, demanded Paetongtarn’s resignation over the Hun Sen call controversy. The group condemned any coup attempts, warning that military intervention would undermine Thailand’s global credibility and economic stability, which relies on $1.9 trillion in GDP, per 2025 estimates. Their statement reflects growing public demand for accountability.
Safeguarding Thailand’s Democracy
Protecting Political Stability
The People’s Party’s anti-coup stance aims to preserve Thailand’s democratic framework amid a fragile political climate. With the Constitutional Court set to rule on Paetongtarn’s status on July 1, the party’s call for elections seeks to channel public discontent into democratic processes. As protests and opposition pressure mount, Thailand faces a critical juncture to avoid repeating its history of military interventions.
