BANGKOK — 1 November 2026, A leader of a migrant worker group was physically assaulted during a protest outside the United Nations office in Bangkok on Sunday while calling on Thailand to abolish its nationality verification centres for Myanmar migrant workers.
The incident drew condemnation from an opposition MP, who said political differences could never justify violence and urged police to investigate and prosecute those responsible without discrimination based on nationality.
Prachatai reported that Veera Saengthong, leader of the Bright Future migrant worker group, organised a demonstration outside the UN office on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road in the morning.
The protesters called on the Thai government to abolish the nationality verification centres, commonly known as CI centres, for Myanmar migrant workers. They argued that the process imposed unfair financial burdens on migrant workers and called for the pink identification card to be accepted as their sole proof of identity.
Later, members of pro-monarchy groups, including the People’s Centre for the Protection of the Monarchy (PACC), led by Anon Klin Kaeo, and the Pracha Phakdi Protecting the Monarchy group, led by Songchai Niamhom, confronted Veera.
A group of Thai nationals reportedly approached and repeatedly assaulted him, punching and slapping his head, striking him with a motorcycle helmet and kicking him, among other acts.
The attackers were also heard shouting accusations that Veera was causing trouble in Thailand and showing no gratitude to the country.
Police attempted to intervene and escorted Veera away from the scene.
Sasinan Thamnithinan, a Bangkok MP from the People’s Party, condemned the assault, saying such an incident should never occur in a society governed by the rule of law and democratic principles.
She said that regardless of whether people agreed with the protesters’ demands, and whether the victim was a Thai national or a migrant worker, everyone was entitled to the same protection of their life and physical integrity under the law, without discrimination.
If any party believed the demonstration or its demands involved legal violations, the matter should be addressed through lawful and fair procedures rather than physical violence in the middle of the street, she said.
Sasinan added that police and relevant security agencies should do more than simply intervene to stop the violence and remove the victim from the scene.
They must collect evidence, examine CCTV footage and other recordings, identify those responsible and pursue legal action impartially, regardless of the individuals’ status, nationality or political views.
“Protecting the monarchy or holding political beliefs are rights and freedoms that people are entitled to exercise under the law. However, no ideology can give anyone the right to stand above the law or serve as an excuse for using violence against another person’s body or life,” she said.
“The rule of law would have no meaning if it protected only those who think like us but not those who hold different opinions. I insist that conflicts must be resolved through the law and reason, not force,” Sasinan said.
