World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
Protesters in Bangkok criticize IMF and World Bank during meetings
Protesters marched in Bangkok on Thursday while the International Monetary Fund and World Bank held meetings in the Thai capital.
Demonstrators carried banners and floats, including a piggy bank, and some wore masks depicting world leaders.
They criticized the financial institutions and said ordinary people have little say in decisions affecting local communities.
Protesters also pointed to poverty, household debt and pollution in Thailand, where recent severe floods have damaged homes, businesses and crops.
The march highlighted inequality and climate-related hardship as financial leaders discussed economic challenges facing countries around the world.
Thailand is among countries facing pressure from high oil prices, and the World Bank says it is the region’s most income-unequal country.
The weeklong meetings continue, with IMF leaders urging governments to control debt and target support to vulnerable people.
About 200 people protested in Bangkok against the policies of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
Protesters said the institutions make decisions affecting local communities without giving residents a meaningful say.
Demonstrators carried banners and used giant floats, including an octopus symbolising global capitalism.
Police blocked the march near the meeting venue, and brief scuffles broke out as protesters tried to hang a banner.
The march briefly disrupted traffic before protesters displayed a banner calling for an end to destructive capitalism.
- Who
- About 200 protesters, including people from across Thailand.
- What
- They protested against IMF and World Bank policies.
- When
- October 15, 2026.
- Where
- Bangkok, near the meeting venue.
- Why
- They said the institutions make decisions affecting local communities without giving residents a meaningful say.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Protesters marched in Bangkok against IMF and World Bank policies.
Police blocked the march near the meeting venue, and brief scuffles broke out as protesters tried to hang a banner.
Protesters displayed a banner calling for an end to destructive capitalism.
- Protesters
- About 200
- Location
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Institutions criticised
- International Monetary Fund and World Bank
- Protest imagery
- A giant octopus symbolising global capitalism
- Traffic impact
- The march briefly disrupted traffic at a busy intersection