On June 22, 2025, the Ruam Palang Pandin group, a coalition dedicated to defending Thailand's sovereignty, conducted a thorough inspection of the Victory Monument area in Bangkok, preparing for a large-scale rally scheduled for June 28, 2025. The group’s leaders, including Nitithorn Lumlue, Jatupron Prompan, Panathep Phuwongphanth, Kaewsan Atipoti, and Pichit Chaimongkol, surveyed the central island at Victory Monument to finalize the location of the main stage for the upcoming event.
The rally is being organized as a demonstration of national pride and a protest against government actions perceived as threatening Thailand’s territorial integrity. This concern stems from recent negotiations between the Thai Prime Minister and the Cambodian Senate President, which the group believes risk ceding Thai land. Jatupron Prompan, one of the core leaders, highlighted this issue emphatically, stating, "The country faces a problem of territorial loss due to negotiations between the Thai Prime Minister and the Cambodian Senate President, who holds real power in Cambodia, indicating a lack of trust in the Thai government's actions." He further challenged Thai citizens by comparing their potential turnout to Cambodia’s recent mobilization, noting that "Cambodia, with only 17 million people, could mobilize 150,000 people, prompting Thais, as a sovereign nation, to consider how many they can mobilize to fight or if they will be ashamed."
Despite the rally’s critical message, the organizers have been careful to clarify that this is not a call for a coup d’état. Jatupron and other leaders repeatedly emphasized that their movement is about protecting national sovereignty and awakening patriotic sentiment among the public. "The protection of national sovereignty is not a call for a coup," Jatupron said, urging the government not to obstruct citizens’ rights to assemble. He expressed hope that authorities would not interfere, stating, "We hope the government will not order police or other agencies to obstruct the demonstration, stating it is a matter of national importance, not personal."
To prepare for the event, the group scheduled a meeting with the Metropolitan Police Bureau on June 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the use of public space and ensure the rally does not disrupt traffic or violate laws. Nitithorn Lumlue explained, "The event is not a protest but an activity under constitutional provisions, not demanding anything from the government, and police are tasked with facilitating, not prohibiting, ensuring public comfort." Jatupron also mentioned that security measures would include joint checkpoints between the group and police to screen participants and prevent interference from "third hands" or malicious actors, confidently stating, "Any 'third hand' or 'fourth foot' would not survive."
Organizers are mindful of the rally’s impact on the surrounding environment, especially the nearby hospitals. Panathep Phuwongphanth, chairman of the Fai Pandin Foundation, which is supporting the event, confirmed that loudspeakers will be directed away from hospitals and that a special lane will be kept clear for ambulances and patients. He said, "The loudspeakers will be directed away from the hospital to avoid disturbance and a clear path for patients will be provided."
Financial transparency is a key concern for the group as well. All funds used for the event come from within the group itself, with no hidden backers. A special donation account will be opened only on June 28, 2025, for one day to collect public contributions, after which it will be closed immediately. Any remaining funds will be donated to the 2nd Army Area. Panathep stressed, "There are no hidden financiers, only the people." Kaewsan Atipoti, another leader, confirmed his commitment to transparency, noting that despite government attempts to investigate the financial lines of the core leaders, the foundation will maintain open accounts and he will co-sign withdrawals, saying, "Even if it means imprisonment, I will do this because I have been imprisoned many times before."
The group’s preparations and messaging seek to inspire patriotic unity while distancing themselves from accusations of political motives beyond sovereignty protection. Jatupron dismissed claims that the movement was a personal vendetta or coup attempt, stating, "This is not a call for a coup but a movement to protect national sovereignty." He invited all citizens to gather at Victory Monument, which holds symbolic significance as a site commemorating Thailand’s ability to reclaim its territory from past disputes.
On June 28, the rally will begin at 2:00 p.m., with the main stage activities running from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The program includes speeches interspersed with musical performances designed to create a stirring atmosphere and convey symbolic messages to the public. A moment of unity will be marked by a collective singing of the national anthem at 6:00 p.m., followed by a formal declaration and the event’s conclusion at 9:00 p.m.
Throughout the preparations, the group has openly acknowledged challenges from government authorities, including legal actions against leaders and attempts to limit public participation. Panathep remarked on these obstacles, stating, "There are attempts to prosecute leaders, traffic concerns, and hospital proximity issues, but we are aware of all and will demonstrate patriotism despite government obstruction."
Kaewsan Atipoti expressed his doubts about the current Prime Minister’s ability to safeguard the nation’s interests, citing ongoing concerns about Cambodian influence and secret dealings. He said, "I do not know if the Prime Minister will remain, but there is a lack of trust, and the problem of national security remains." However, he assured the public that the rally is not about seizing power but about showing strength in defense of sovereignty, apologizing for any inconvenience caused by the event.
In a symbolic gesture of unity and commitment to democracy, the core leaders concluded their June 22 inspection by placing their right hands over their left chests, underscoring their dedication to the cause.
As the rally approaches, the Ruam Palang Pandin group’s call to action resonates beyond mere political protest, reflecting deeper concerns about national identity, sovereignty, and the future of Thailand’s territorial integrity. Their carefully planned event at Victory Monument stands as a powerful statement of patriotism and public resolve amid a tense political landscape.
