Thai farmers, fishermen demand voice in IMF, World Bank policy decisions

Thousands of Thai farmers and fishermen converged in Bangkok to challenge policies promoted by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, demanding greater participation in decisions that directly impact their economic survival. The demonstration underscored growing frustration among rural communities over what they characterize as top-down policy-making that fails to account for local conditions and traditional livelihoods. Organisers said the rally represented a unified push for more inclusive dialogue between international financial institutions and affected stakeholders in developing nations. The protest highlighted tensions between global economic prescriptions and the realities facing agricultural workers and coastal communities across Southeast Asia. Participants called for reforms ensuring that farmers and fishermen have meaningful representation in policy discussions that shape trade agreements, land access, and resource management frameworks affecting their sectors.