Road Access to Victory Monument Prevented by Large-Scale Demonstration
Mass Protest at Bangkok's Victory Monument Demands Political Changes and National Sovereignty
A significant political demonstration took place at Bangkok's Victory Monument on August 2, 2025, organised by the "Uniting the Power of the Land for the Defence of Thai Sovereignty" group. The protest, which drew around 10,000 participants according to police estimates, aimed to pressure the suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to resign and called for coalition parties to withdraw from government.
The rally, which lasted from midday to 9 pm, featured a peaceful atmosphere with a heavy police presence of over 2,000 officers to ensure security and manage the crowd. Prominent leaders such as Jatuporn Prompan and Pichit Chaimongkol spoke at the event.
Participants were seen waving Thai national flags as a symbol of unity and patriotism. The protest site was adorned with checkpoints for weapons, ensuring the safety of all attendees.
The protest caused substantial traffic disruptions near Victory Monument. The Phahon Yothin 1 exit from the Si Rat Expressway was closed due to the protest, leading to traffic congestion. Commuters were advised to expect delays and plan alternate routes, such as diverting via Din Daeng Soi 1.
Pichit Chaimongkol, a prominent figure from the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT), stated that the gathering drew supporters from various provinces since early morning. He warned that if the demands continue to be ignored, the protest campaign will escalate in intensity.
Despite reports of harassment or blocking of protest leaders in some provinces, Pichit predicted a surge in turnout later in the evening. He also admitted that there had been no official response from any coalition parties regarding their demands.
Following the protest's conclusion, Jatuporn Prompan is scheduled to announce the next steps for the movement. Pichit estimated that up to 10,000 demonstrators would participate by nightfall. If anything goes wrong at the protest, Pichit emphasised that the government must be held accountable.
In the coming days, the protest leaders plan to visit the headquarters of other coalition parties to discuss their demands further. A full-scale rally programme will begin following a Buddhist prayer ceremony, featuring a rotating roster of speakers and live performances. The protest will conclude at 9 pm.
- Due to the political protest at Bangkok's Victory Monument, the demand for education on civil rights and democratic practices among the participants may increase, as they seek to understand the intricacies of politics better to shape their nation's future.
- As the protest rally gains momentum, the business sector, being a vital part of the economy, is likely to feel the implications, with potential disruptions in travel and tourism industries around Victory Monument due to the ongoing demonstrations.
- General news outlets should detail the economic impact of the political protests and provide insights into the global reception of the demonstrations and their ramifications on Thailand's overall relationship with other nations, specifically when discussing the country's educational institutions, trade partners, and political alliances.
