Bangkok's mayor inspects Victory Monument rally area, confirms safety precautions imposed
In the heart of Bangkok, at the Victory Monument in the Ratchathewi District, a significant protest took place on a recent day. The major protest was led by the Uniting the Power of the Land for the Defence of Thai Sovereignty group, aiming to demand accountability from the government regarding the Thai-Cambodian border tensions and to show support for Thai soldiers defending national sovereignty.
The protest was a one-day event, running from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM. It featured speeches and musical performances throughout the day, with key figures such as Jatuporn Prompan, a well-known political activist and former Red Shirt leader, delivering major speeches. Other prominent speakers included Anchalee Paireerak, Nititorn Lamlua, and Pichit Chaimongkol.
Security was tight, with 2,000 officers deployed to maintain order and ensure safety. Attendees were urged not to bring prohibited items, weapons, or alcohol into the area. Public health services were in place, including mobile medical units, ambulances, water supply trucks, and mobile toilets.
First aid teams were stationed to respond to any emergencies, and municipal officers from the BMA were deployed to assist with traffic control, pedestrian safety, and crowd screening. A command center was set up, integrating CCTV systems and drone surveillance for real-time monitoring of crowd movements.
The public was advised to avoid the Victory Monument area unless necessary and allow extra travel time due to potential congestion. All citizens and protesters were encouraged to report suspicious activity to the police immediately. Authorities have coordinated with rally organizers to ensure the exercise of freedom of expression remained within the law.
Sobchoke Na Srito, Chief of Ratchathewi District, was present to inspect safety and public service arrangements for the protest. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt also visited the site on Saturday.
The protest was marked by a peaceful sit-in rally under the theme “Sending Strength: From the Rear to the Frontline,” emphasizing moral support for frontline troops amid escalating tensions. The protest group began assembling at Victory Monument early in the morning, occupying one traffic lane. Police officers were deployed throughout the area to maintain order, including near the main stage and along skywalks.
The protest sought greater government responsibility for border security failures, demanded leadership changes, and aimed to bolster support for Thai sovereignty and troops on the Cambodian border.
- Despite the political tensions, attendees were encouraged to focus on health, with public health services available, such as mobile medical units and ambulances.
- Businesses might have been affected by the protest, as law enforcement advised the public to avoid the Victory Monument area and allowed extra travel time due to potential congestion.
- The Thai economy could be impacted by the border tensions, as the protest group demanded greater government responsibility for border security failures and leadership changes.
- The protest's influence extended beyond the event, with general-news coverage of the demonstration and demands for accountability from the government.
