Group says pressure from two countries’ leaders threatens Thai sovereignty
PUBLISHED : 22 Nov 2025 at 15:12
Protesters gathered in front of the Malaysian embassy in Bangkok on Saturday to demand that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stop his “interference” in Thailand’s handling of its border dispute with Cambodia.
The marchers were also preparing to visit the US Embassy, as they believe Washington has unfairly linked trade negotiations with Thailand’s sovereign right to protect its territory.
The rallies were being organised by the United Power of the Land to Protect Sovereignty, known in Thai as Ruam Palang Phaen Din Pok Pong Athipatai. Prominent figures attending included Pichit Chaimongkol, former senator Kaewsan Atibodhi, former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan and lawyer Nitithorn Lamlua.
The group waving waved Thai national flags and banners arrived at the Malaysian Embassy on Sathon Road with a truck equipped with loudspeakers. They accused Mr Anwar, in his capacity as the Asean chair, of meddling in Thailand’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty.
They demanded that he refrain from pressuring Thailand to negotiate with Cambodia over disputed border areas. (Story continues below)
Protest leader Pichit Chaimongkol gives a speech attacking Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the rally in front of the Malaysian embassy. (Photo: Students and People’s Network for Thailand Reform Facebook page)
Mr Pichit said that while Thai soldiers have been risking their lives clearing landmines along the border, Cambodia has obstructed demining operations and failed to honour agreements.
Cooperation on demining is one of four main points set out in the declaration that the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers signed last month in Kuala Lumpur, in the presence of Mr Anwar and US President Donald Trump.
He accused Mr Anwar of overstepping his role as Asean chair by ordering Thailand to stop border operations.
Mr Pichit criticised Mr Anwar for “political interference” and claimed Malaysia and the United States were attempting to unduly influence Thailand’s decisions.
Mr Kaewsan went further, accusing Cambodian strongman Hun Sen of ruling through a family-based regime for over 30 years and portraying Thailand as an aggressor through state-controlled media.
The former senator also alleged that Malaysia has large investments in Cambodian casino operations and that Mr Anwar was using the peace dialogue as a political tool despite corruption problems at home. He called on Asean to ensure Mr Anwar “has no place in the regional bloc”.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau 5 and Thung Mahamek police station installed steel barricades at the entrance of the embassy in order to maintain peace and order.
The US Department of State issued a statement earlier saying that it was expecting a protest rally between 2pm and 6pm Saturday. “There are no indications at this time that the demonstration will cause a disruption beyond potential traffic delays on Wireless Road,” it said.
Demonstrators gather in front of the Malaysian embassy on Sathon Road in Bangkok on Saturday before heading to the US Embassy. (Photo: Students and People’s Network for Thailand Reform Facebook page)
