Law enforcement confiscates armaments close to the protest headquarters; deployment of more than 200 surveillance cameras, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, and Canine patrol units
In the heart of Bangkok, the Victory Monument played host to a one-day rally organized by the Uniting the Power of the Land for the Defence of Thai Sovereignty group on August 2, 2025. The rally, which ran from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, was marked by strict security measures and a heavy police presence.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau took charge of the operation, deploying around 2,000 officers and establishing eight screening checkpoints around the rally site. Attendees passed through metal detectors and had their bags inspected, while police dogs patrolled the perimeter and entrance points along the Skywalk. Bomb disposal officers conducted inspections ahead of the event to ensure safety.
Despite the extensive security screenings and checkpoints, there were no explicit reports of weapons being confiscated during the event. The focus was primarily on maintaining crowd safety and preventing threats.
The rally itself remained peaceful, with protesters voicing strong nationalist demands, including the resignation of the Prime Minister and withdrawal of coalition parties. Criticism of the government's handling of the Thai-Cambodian border tensions was a common theme, with prominent figures such as Jatuporn Prompan delivering speeches condemning the government's ceasefire terms they believe led to territorial losses, particularly at the disputed Ta Kwai temple.
To further ensure safety, more than 200 CCTV cameras were activated across the area, a mix of units operated by the Royal Thai Police and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Four ambulances were stationed at the protest site, ready to provide first aid or emergency transport to nearby hospitals, including Police General Hospital, Phramongkutklao Hospital, and Rajavithi Hospital.
Authorities also urged the public to avoid carrying any weapons in the area due to the heightened security measures. Flying drones in the area required official approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the Anti-Drone Centre of the Metropolitan Police.
Drone surveillance was indeed utilised for aerial monitoring in the area, with CCTV, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and K-9 teams also deployed for crowd safety. Five screening checkpoints were established around the protest site, and legal action was being pursued against the motorists who were carrying the weapons that were confiscated near Soi Phahonyothin 2 (Saeng Som Building) at the Victory Monument protest screening point in Bangkok.
Throughout the day, authorities continued to encourage peaceful assembly and close cooperation with law enforcement to ensure public safety. The rally concluded without reported security incidents or unrest, marking a successful demonstration of peaceful protest and effective security measures.
- On August 2, 2025, the rally for Thai Sovereignty occurred at the Victory Monument, but the economy might have been impacted due to the heavy police presence and transportation disruptions.
- The government's handling of the Thai-Cambodian border tensions was a significant topic of discussion at the rally, demonstrating a critical aspect of politics that sparked public interest in general-news media.
- The business sector likely experienced fluctuations due to the uncertainty around the government's leadership following the protesters' demand for the resignation of the Prime Minister.
- In an effort to maintain public safety, authorities urged citizens not to carry any weapons, which might have affected local business sales related to self-defense goods.
- The crime-and-justice system may see repercussions due to legal action being pursued against those carrying weapons at the Victory Monument screening point, adding another layer to the ongoing discussions about the importance of public safety and law enforcement in areas of mass gatherings like protests.
