Politics Protesters Rally at Victory Monument Calling for PM’s Resignation

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

An anti-government demonstration led by the People’s Alliance for the Protection of Sovereignty (CPT) is taking place at Bangkok’s Victory Monument on 28 June, as protest leaders reiterated three demands: the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the withdrawal of coalition parties from government and a national show of force to protect Thai sovereignty.

 

The protest, held under the banner of “Thai Patriotism”, began with a religious merit-making ceremony for the “heroes who protected national sovereignty”, led by prominent CPT figures Jatuporn Prompan, Panthep Puapongpan, Nititorn Lamlue, and Pichit Chaiyamongkol.

 

Originally scheduled to begin at 16:00, the rally was brought forward to 10:00 due to a high number of planned speakers. By early morning, CPT members had set up tents and water stations around the protest site, with coordination from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to provide portable toilets. However, there were no signs of preparations for a long-term encampment or food distribution facilities.

 

March from Government House

 

Before the ceremony began, CPT leader Pichit Chaiyamongkol addressed reporters while leading a group of protesters on foot from Chamai Maruchet Bridge near Government House to Victory Monument. He stated that permission had been granted for an all-day rally, with speeches continuing until 9pm in agreement with authorities. He emphasised the peaceful nature of the demonstration and said a joint operations centre had been established with police and BMA officials to ensure safety, including multiple checkpoints.

 

When asked whether he feared the situation might escalate, Pichit responded that it was the responsibility of the police to manage security but confirmed organisers would not be complacent. “This is not a political protest; it’s a patriotic duty,” he said. “We’re here for the country.”

 

Security and Crowd Size

 

As of the morning, around 1,000 protesters had gathered at the site. In response, police deployed four companies, comprising 2,055 officers, according to Police Lieutenant General Theeradej Thammasuthee. Officers conducted searches and confiscated several weapons, including a knife and three box cutters. One individual claiming to be a food delivery rider was detained.

 

The rally area is under close surveillance with over 200 CCTV cameras, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams on patrol, and four ambulances on standby. Police also monitored skywalks and ground-level paths for suspicious objects.

 

The Stakes for the Movement

 

Political analyst Pravit Rojanaphruk noted that the success of the rally would hinge on turnout. He suggested that anything below 30,000 participants or a half-empty Victory Monument would be seen as a serious setback for the organisers. “They need to project a strong message that public support is behind them if they hope to force any political change,” he wrote.

 

Pichit maintained that large numbers from across the country had pledged to join the rally, despite numerous police checkpoints reportedly set up to deter participation. “Today, Victory Monument will be filled with Thai flags,” he declared, asserting that this was not an attack on government, but a nationalistic demonstration involving all Thais, police, military, civil servants included.

 

He added that future actions would depend on the outcome of today’s rally. “If enough people show up, pressure will mount on the government. If the Prime Minister refuses to resign over the leaked conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, we will have to plan our next move. This time it’s Victory Monument; next time it may be Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge outside Government House.”

 

The rally is scheduled to conclude at 21:00 with CPT leaders set to announce their next steps afterwards.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-28