Thai Demonstrators Challenge IMF, World Bank

Hundreds of Thai farmers, fishermen, and labour activists marched through Bangkok on Friday, protesting as top business leaders gathered for International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings.

Security forces used shipping containers and heavy police lines to block the demonstrators—wearing straw hats and holding fishing nets—more than a kilometre away from the main conference venue.

The demonstrators accused global financial institutions of pushing policies that impoverish local populations and destroy rural livelihoods across developing nations.

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They highlighted long-standing grievances caused by foreign-backed infrastructure initiatives, including the World Bank-funded Pak Mun dam, which local communities say decimated fish populations and ruined ecosystems.

Thai Demonstrators Challenge IMF and World Bank (News Central TV) — Thai demonstrators challenge the IMF and World Bank. Credit: Newsday

Joining the march, international activists condemned the lenders for trapping vulnerable countries in endless debt cycles under the guise of financial relief.

Despite brief scuffles with police a day earlier over banner placement, Friday’s protest remained peaceful.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.