Israel confirms fresh strikes on Lebanon
Israel has launched fresh strikes on Lebanon, saying it has bombed a site used by Hezbollah.
The IDF confirmed the attack on social media, claiming the Iran-backed group was attempting to rebuild an underground project previously destroyed by Israel.
Lebanon's President is accusing Israel of violating the country's sovereignty and a US-backed ceasefire.
The ceasefire was brokered in November after a year of conflict between the two sides.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
12 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Kneecap to play at Glastonbury amid calls to ban them
Irish rap trio Kneecap are to perform at the Glastonbury Festival after a number of British politicians called for them to be banned from the event. It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a gig in November 2024. Last week the rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with band mates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at a London court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts. He was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing in August. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be "appropriate" for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday afternoon. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC "should not be showing" the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Before the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: "Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby." Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set would not be broadcast live from the festival in Somerset, England, "at the artist's request". Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's "best songwriter". Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds "I'm back baby" as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities seen at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn. Irish rap trio Kneecap are to perform at the Glastonbury Festival after a number of British politicians called for them to be banned from the event. It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a gig in November 2024. Last week the rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with band mates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at a London court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts. He was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing in August. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be "appropriate" for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday afternoon. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC "should not be showing" the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Before the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: "Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby." Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set would not be broadcast live from the festival in Somerset, England, "at the artist's request". Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's "best songwriter". Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds "I'm back baby" as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities seen at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn. Irish rap trio Kneecap are to perform at the Glastonbury Festival after a number of British politicians called for them to be banned from the event. It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a gig in November 2024. Last week the rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with band mates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at a London court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts. He was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing in August. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be "appropriate" for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday afternoon. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC "should not be showing" the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Before the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: "Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby." Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set would not be broadcast live from the festival in Somerset, England, "at the artist's request". Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's "best songwriter". Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds "I'm back baby" as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities seen at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn. Irish rap trio Kneecap are to perform at the Glastonbury Festival after a number of British politicians called for them to be banned from the event. It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a gig in November 2024. Last week the rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with band mates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at a London court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts. He was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing in August. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be "appropriate" for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday afternoon. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC "should not be showing" the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Before the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: "Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby." Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set would not be broadcast live from the festival in Somerset, England, "at the artist's request". Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's "best songwriter". Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds "I'm back baby" as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities seen at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn.
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Greens candidate undergoes surgery after protest arrest
A Greens candidate who challenged Anthony Albanese at the May federal election is in hospital after being arrested at a protest, as police face brutality claims. Five people were arrested while protesting Israel's war in Gaza outside an Australian firm linked to the manufacturing of fighter jets used by the IDF. Hannah Thomas, 35, who was the Greens candidate for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's seat of Grayndler, was taken to hospital with facial injuries suffered in the process of her arrest. A photo of Ms Thomas in an ambulance shows her eye swollen shut and with blood on her face before she was taken for surgery. Video of the incident shows multiple police dragging one of the protesters as on-lookers repeatedly shouted "get off her" and "let go of her". Police said matters escalated after officers issued a move-on direction to a group of 60 protesters who had blocked pedestrian access to SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's southwest early Friday morning. They said Ms Thomas was arrested for not complying with that direction. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson labelled the policing "excessive" and "unnecessary" and called for an investigation "to avoid further horrific instances of innocent people being seriously injured". She has written to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, the NSW police commissioner and the state's police watchdog demanding the investigation. "Having witnessed the grievous injuries caused by the police to Hannah Thomas, spoken to on ground witnesses who witnessed what occurred, and with the knowledge that Hannah has experienced serious injuries and hospitalisation, I am calling for a critical incident to be declared urgently," Ms Higginson wrote in her letter. A police statement said the medical advice they had received about the incident did not meet the threshold for a critical incident declaration. "Should further medical advice be received, the decision can be reviewed," it said. Protest organisers say another protester was grabbed by the neck and choked, while others were knocked to the ground. SEC Plating is reportedly providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets, of which the Israeli military has about 40. Zack Schofield, a 26-year-old Rising Tide organiser who was arrested, said he was "objecting to genocide and the complicity of Australia in this". "The excessive force used by police was brutal and will be put into question," he said. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi said Ms Thomas had been a "tireless advocate" for the tens of thousands of people killed in Palestine. "Hannah has long been a fearless and strong advocate for the rights of all people to live without oppression and occupation ... I am in awe of her courage and conviction in supporting people who need help," she said. The five arrested protesters were granted bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 15. A Greens candidate who challenged Anthony Albanese at the May federal election is in hospital after being arrested at a protest, as police face brutality claims. Five people were arrested while protesting Israel's war in Gaza outside an Australian firm linked to the manufacturing of fighter jets used by the IDF. Hannah Thomas, 35, who was the Greens candidate for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's seat of Grayndler, was taken to hospital with facial injuries suffered in the process of her arrest. A photo of Ms Thomas in an ambulance shows her eye swollen shut and with blood on her face before she was taken for surgery. Video of the incident shows multiple police dragging one of the protesters as on-lookers repeatedly shouted "get off her" and "let go of her". Police said matters escalated after officers issued a move-on direction to a group of 60 protesters who had blocked pedestrian access to SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's southwest early Friday morning. They said Ms Thomas was arrested for not complying with that direction. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson labelled the policing "excessive" and "unnecessary" and called for an investigation "to avoid further horrific instances of innocent people being seriously injured". She has written to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, the NSW police commissioner and the state's police watchdog demanding the investigation. "Having witnessed the grievous injuries caused by the police to Hannah Thomas, spoken to on ground witnesses who witnessed what occurred, and with the knowledge that Hannah has experienced serious injuries and hospitalisation, I am calling for a critical incident to be declared urgently," Ms Higginson wrote in her letter. A police statement said the medical advice they had received about the incident did not meet the threshold for a critical incident declaration. "Should further medical advice be received, the decision can be reviewed," it said. Protest organisers say another protester was grabbed by the neck and choked, while others were knocked to the ground. SEC Plating is reportedly providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets, of which the Israeli military has about 40. Zack Schofield, a 26-year-old Rising Tide organiser who was arrested, said he was "objecting to genocide and the complicity of Australia in this". "The excessive force used by police was brutal and will be put into question," he said. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi said Ms Thomas had been a "tireless advocate" for the tens of thousands of people killed in Palestine. "Hannah has long been a fearless and strong advocate for the rights of all people to live without oppression and occupation ... I am in awe of her courage and conviction in supporting people who need help," she said. The five arrested protesters were granted bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 15. A Greens candidate who challenged Anthony Albanese at the May federal election is in hospital after being arrested at a protest, as police face brutality claims. Five people were arrested while protesting Israel's war in Gaza outside an Australian firm linked to the manufacturing of fighter jets used by the IDF. Hannah Thomas, 35, who was the Greens candidate for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's seat of Grayndler, was taken to hospital with facial injuries suffered in the process of her arrest. A photo of Ms Thomas in an ambulance shows her eye swollen shut and with blood on her face before she was taken for surgery. Video of the incident shows multiple police dragging one of the protesters as on-lookers repeatedly shouted "get off her" and "let go of her". Police said matters escalated after officers issued a move-on direction to a group of 60 protesters who had blocked pedestrian access to SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's southwest early Friday morning. They said Ms Thomas was arrested for not complying with that direction. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson labelled the policing "excessive" and "unnecessary" and called for an investigation "to avoid further horrific instances of innocent people being seriously injured". She has written to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, the NSW police commissioner and the state's police watchdog demanding the investigation. "Having witnessed the grievous injuries caused by the police to Hannah Thomas, spoken to on ground witnesses who witnessed what occurred, and with the knowledge that Hannah has experienced serious injuries and hospitalisation, I am calling for a critical incident to be declared urgently," Ms Higginson wrote in her letter. A police statement said the medical advice they had received about the incident did not meet the threshold for a critical incident declaration. "Should further medical advice be received, the decision can be reviewed," it said. Protest organisers say another protester was grabbed by the neck and choked, while others were knocked to the ground. SEC Plating is reportedly providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets, of which the Israeli military has about 40. Zack Schofield, a 26-year-old Rising Tide organiser who was arrested, said he was "objecting to genocide and the complicity of Australia in this". "The excessive force used by police was brutal and will be put into question," he said. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi said Ms Thomas had been a "tireless advocate" for the tens of thousands of people killed in Palestine. "Hannah has long been a fearless and strong advocate for the rights of all people to live without oppression and occupation ... I am in awe of her courage and conviction in supporting people who need help," she said. The five arrested protesters were granted bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 15. A Greens candidate who challenged Anthony Albanese at the May federal election is in hospital after being arrested at a protest, as police face brutality claims. Five people were arrested while protesting Israel's war in Gaza outside an Australian firm linked to the manufacturing of fighter jets used by the IDF. Hannah Thomas, 35, who was the Greens candidate for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's seat of Grayndler, was taken to hospital with facial injuries suffered in the process of her arrest. A photo of Ms Thomas in an ambulance shows her eye swollen shut and with blood on her face before she was taken for surgery. Video of the incident shows multiple police dragging one of the protesters as on-lookers repeatedly shouted "get off her" and "let go of her". Police said matters escalated after officers issued a move-on direction to a group of 60 protesters who had blocked pedestrian access to SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's southwest early Friday morning. They said Ms Thomas was arrested for not complying with that direction. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson labelled the policing "excessive" and "unnecessary" and called for an investigation "to avoid further horrific instances of innocent people being seriously injured". She has written to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, the NSW police commissioner and the state's police watchdog demanding the investigation. "Having witnessed the grievous injuries caused by the police to Hannah Thomas, spoken to on ground witnesses who witnessed what occurred, and with the knowledge that Hannah has experienced serious injuries and hospitalisation, I am calling for a critical incident to be declared urgently," Ms Higginson wrote in her letter. A police statement said the medical advice they had received about the incident did not meet the threshold for a critical incident declaration. "Should further medical advice be received, the decision can be reviewed," it said. Protest organisers say another protester was grabbed by the neck and choked, while others were knocked to the ground. SEC Plating is reportedly providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets, of which the Israeli military has about 40. Zack Schofield, a 26-year-old Rising Tide organiser who was arrested, said he was "objecting to genocide and the complicity of Australia in this". "The excessive force used by police was brutal and will be put into question," he said. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi said Ms Thomas had been a "tireless advocate" for the tens of thousands of people killed in Palestine. "Hannah has long been a fearless and strong advocate for the rights of all people to live without oppression and occupation ... I am in awe of her courage and conviction in supporting people who need help," she said. The five arrested protesters were granted bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 15.
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Protesters rally to demand Thai prime minister resign
Hundreds of protesters have gathered in the Bangkok demanding the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra as her government faces rising anger over a border row with Cambodia. The rally, the largest anti-government protest since her Pheu Thai party came to power in 2023, increases pressure on Paetongtarn, 38, who is battling to revive a faltering economy and keep a fragile government coalition together before a potential no confidence vote in July. Protesters waved flags beside Victory Monument, a war memorial at a busy intersection, in a demonstration on Saturday organised by the United Force of the Land, a coalition of largely nationalist activists who have rallied against other Shinawatra-backed governments during the past two decades. While the past protests did not directly cause the downfall of those governments, they built up pressure that led to judicial interventions and military coups in 2006 and 2014. The political turmoil in Thailand threatens to further damage the country's struggling economic recovery. Paetongtarn said on Saturday that she was not concerned about the protest and had instructed authorities to ensure the gathering was peaceful. "It's within people's rights and I will not retaliate," she said. The prime minister, who now controls a slim majority coalition following the exit of former partner Bhumjaithai Party last week, could face a no confidence vote when parliament reconvenes next week. Bhumjaithai Party last week withdrew its support for the government citing the risk of a loss of Thai sovereignty and integrity after a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodia's former premier Hun Sen. During the call, Paetongtarn appeared to seek to appease the veteran Cambodian politician and criticised a Thai army commander, a red line in a country where the military has significant clout. She has apologised for her comments. The prime minister also faces judicial scrutiny after a group of senators petitioned the Constitutional Court and a national anti-graft body with a wide remit to investigate her conduct over the leaked phone call. Decisions from either bodies could lead to her removal. Hun Sen, a former ally of the Shinawatras, made an unprecedented public attack on Paetongtarn and her family in an hours-long televised speech on Friday, calling for a change in government in Thailand. The Thai foreign ministry described the speech as "extraordinary" while insisting that Thailand prefers to use diplomacy to resolve the escalating bilateral dispute. Hundreds of protesters have gathered in the Bangkok demanding the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra as her government faces rising anger over a border row with Cambodia. The rally, the largest anti-government protest since her Pheu Thai party came to power in 2023, increases pressure on Paetongtarn, 38, who is battling to revive a faltering economy and keep a fragile government coalition together before a potential no confidence vote in July. Protesters waved flags beside Victory Monument, a war memorial at a busy intersection, in a demonstration on Saturday organised by the United Force of the Land, a coalition of largely nationalist activists who have rallied against other Shinawatra-backed governments during the past two decades. While the past protests did not directly cause the downfall of those governments, they built up pressure that led to judicial interventions and military coups in 2006 and 2014. The political turmoil in Thailand threatens to further damage the country's struggling economic recovery. Paetongtarn said on Saturday that she was not concerned about the protest and had instructed authorities to ensure the gathering was peaceful. "It's within people's rights and I will not retaliate," she said. The prime minister, who now controls a slim majority coalition following the exit of former partner Bhumjaithai Party last week, could face a no confidence vote when parliament reconvenes next week. Bhumjaithai Party last week withdrew its support for the government citing the risk of a loss of Thai sovereignty and integrity after a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodia's former premier Hun Sen. During the call, Paetongtarn appeared to seek to appease the veteran Cambodian politician and criticised a Thai army commander, a red line in a country where the military has significant clout. She has apologised for her comments. The prime minister also faces judicial scrutiny after a group of senators petitioned the Constitutional Court and a national anti-graft body with a wide remit to investigate her conduct over the leaked phone call. Decisions from either bodies could lead to her removal. Hun Sen, a former ally of the Shinawatras, made an unprecedented public attack on Paetongtarn and her family in an hours-long televised speech on Friday, calling for a change in government in Thailand. The Thai foreign ministry described the speech as "extraordinary" while insisting that Thailand prefers to use diplomacy to resolve the escalating bilateral dispute. Hundreds of protesters have gathered in the Bangkok demanding the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra as her government faces rising anger over a border row with Cambodia. The rally, the largest anti-government protest since her Pheu Thai party came to power in 2023, increases pressure on Paetongtarn, 38, who is battling to revive a faltering economy and keep a fragile government coalition together before a potential no confidence vote in July. Protesters waved flags beside Victory Monument, a war memorial at a busy intersection, in a demonstration on Saturday organised by the United Force of the Land, a coalition of largely nationalist activists who have rallied against other Shinawatra-backed governments during the past two decades. While the past protests did not directly cause the downfall of those governments, they built up pressure that led to judicial interventions and military coups in 2006 and 2014. The political turmoil in Thailand threatens to further damage the country's struggling economic recovery. Paetongtarn said on Saturday that she was not concerned about the protest and had instructed authorities to ensure the gathering was peaceful. "It's within people's rights and I will not retaliate," she said. The prime minister, who now controls a slim majority coalition following the exit of former partner Bhumjaithai Party last week, could face a no confidence vote when parliament reconvenes next week. Bhumjaithai Party last week withdrew its support for the government citing the risk of a loss of Thai sovereignty and integrity after a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodia's former premier Hun Sen. During the call, Paetongtarn appeared to seek to appease the veteran Cambodian politician and criticised a Thai army commander, a red line in a country where the military has significant clout. She has apologised for her comments. The prime minister also faces judicial scrutiny after a group of senators petitioned the Constitutional Court and a national anti-graft body with a wide remit to investigate her conduct over the leaked phone call. Decisions from either bodies could lead to her removal. Hun Sen, a former ally of the Shinawatras, made an unprecedented public attack on Paetongtarn and her family in an hours-long televised speech on Friday, calling for a change in government in Thailand. The Thai foreign ministry described the speech as "extraordinary" while insisting that Thailand prefers to use diplomacy to resolve the escalating bilateral dispute. Hundreds of protesters have gathered in the Bangkok demanding the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra as her government faces rising anger over a border row with Cambodia. The rally, the largest anti-government protest since her Pheu Thai party came to power in 2023, increases pressure on Paetongtarn, 38, who is battling to revive a faltering economy and keep a fragile government coalition together before a potential no confidence vote in July. Protesters waved flags beside Victory Monument, a war memorial at a busy intersection, in a demonstration on Saturday organised by the United Force of the Land, a coalition of largely nationalist activists who have rallied against other Shinawatra-backed governments during the past two decades. While the past protests did not directly cause the downfall of those governments, they built up pressure that led to judicial interventions and military coups in 2006 and 2014. The political turmoil in Thailand threatens to further damage the country's struggling economic recovery. Paetongtarn said on Saturday that she was not concerned about the protest and had instructed authorities to ensure the gathering was peaceful. "It's within people's rights and I will not retaliate," she said. The prime minister, who now controls a slim majority coalition following the exit of former partner Bhumjaithai Party last week, could face a no confidence vote when parliament reconvenes next week. Bhumjaithai Party last week withdrew its support for the government citing the risk of a loss of Thai sovereignty and integrity after a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodia's former premier Hun Sen. During the call, Paetongtarn appeared to seek to appease the veteran Cambodian politician and criticised a Thai army commander, a red line in a country where the military has significant clout. She has apologised for her comments. The prime minister also faces judicial scrutiny after a group of senators petitioned the Constitutional Court and a national anti-graft body with a wide remit to investigate her conduct over the leaked phone call. Decisions from either bodies could lead to her removal. Hun Sen, a former ally of the Shinawatras, made an unprecedented public attack on Paetongtarn and her family in an hours-long televised speech on Friday, calling for a change in government in Thailand. The Thai foreign ministry described the speech as "extraordinary" while insisting that Thailand prefers to use diplomacy to resolve the escalating bilateral dispute.
