Activists Condemn Police Violence at Anti-IMF Protest
BANGKOK — 15 October 2026, A network of activists opposing the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) condemned a confrontation with police during a protest near Rama IV intersection, alleging that officers injured demonstrators while trying to seize a symbolic banner. At 14:00, Amarin Saichan, a member of the network’s legal team, and representatives […]
BANGKOK — 15 October 2026, A network of activists opposing the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) condemned a confrontation with police during a protest near Rama IV intersection, alleging that officers injured demonstrators while trying to seize a symbolic banner. At 14:00, Amarin Saichan, a member of the network’s legal team, and representatives of the EnLAW Foundation read a statement condemning the incident, which occurred earlier in the day as protesters prepared to unfurl a banner. The People’s Network Against World Bank-IMF is protesting the annual meetings of the two financial institutions, which are being held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. According to the statement, the network had notified Tharuea Police Station of the demonstration in advance and negotiated the route from the Customs Department to an area near the convention center. Organizers said police had been informed of the planned symbolic activity and had acknowledged the arrangements. However, when the procession reached its intended gathering point near Rama IV intersection, about 10 representatives prepared to unfurl the banner. Police officers allegedly moved in and attempted to take it away, triggering a scuffle in which protesters were injured, the network said. The group argued that police duties under Thailand’s Public Assembly Act B.E. 2558 (2015) should focus on facilitating demonstrations and managing traffic, rather than using force to restrict freedom of expression. It accused officers of using excessive force and violating protesters’ rights. The network said it had received neither an explanation nor an apology from police. It called on the Royal Thai Police to issue an official statement clarifying the legal grounds for blocking the activity, seizing the banner and arresting demonstrators. The group said accountability was necessary to establish clear standards for law enforcement and prevent similar incidents in the future. It maintained that the procession and gathering had complied with the Public Assembly Act. The network planned to hold discussion sessions and other activities throughout the afternoon and evening. Organizers also expected to remain at the site overnight through 16 October, calling on police to ensure protesters’ safety and facilitate the gathering without a repeat of the morning’s confrontation.
