In the third quarter of 2025, from July to September, there were at least 52 assemblies across the country. These assemblies, if including overnight stays, totalled 229 instances, an increase of only three from the previous quarter. The increase, though seemingly small, indicates that the format of overnight assemblies has not yet received a satisfactory response and must remain a focus of attention.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the right to peaceful assembly in Thailand, with a detailed analysis of the number of assemblies, the primary issues raised in assemblies, and the operational methods of state officials under the Public Assembly Act B.E. 2558 (2015). The analysis is conducted within the context of relevant Thai law and international human rights standards, offering a complete picture of officials’ conduct and the protection of people’s freedom of expression through peaceful assembly.
Overview of the Situation
There were two major cases of continuous overnight assemblies:
- The group of auto workers and their allies assembled overnight to demand central government funds from March 12, 2025, until September 30, 2025, for a total of 204 days.
- The Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (KPT), along with the People’s Centre to Protect the Monarchy (SCCM) and the Dharma Arm,y remained assembled next to the Government House from March 2, 2025, until September 30, 2025, totalling 213 days, to oppose the draft Casino Act and demand the Prime Minister’s resignation.
Assembly Issues Tendency
In this quarter, the issues with the most movements were:
- Political issues, which accounted for 27 assemblies, differed from the previous quarter, when Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR) issues ranked number one. The political issue became primary because in Q3 the number of cases adjudicated and imprisoned increased, and in July the Parliament held a vote on the first reading of the Draft Amnesty Act. Therefore, there were assemblies demanding the right to bail and amnesty for those imprisoned for exercising their freedoms.
- ESCR issues were at 20 assemblies, concerning the right to housing, labour rights, and decentralisation of land management. These issues, which are fundamental to human dignity and the realisation of other human rights, were the focus of these assemblies.
- The Thailand-Cambodia border conflict issues had four assemblies, all of which occurred in July, before the ceasefire agreement.
- Peace issues had one assembly, for the International Day of Peace on September 21.
Official Conduct and Legal Framework
The Public Assembly Act B.E. 2558 (2015) remains the primary tool for controlling assemblies. This Act, especially Section 7, empowers officials to prohibit assemblies within a 50-meter radius of the Government House and Parliament in some cases. In Q3, an order under Order 375/2568 was issued to prohibit assemblies around the Government House from August 29 to September 24, 2025.
In international human rights law, Thailand, as a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), must respect the principle that participants in an assembly should be permitted and able to be in an area where they can be “seen and heard.” However, the use of assembly prohibition orders or the enforcement of Section 7 contradicts this principle.
Key Assembly Information by Month
- July: At least 24 assemblies (Bangkok: 16 times; provinces: 8). Political issues 13 times.
- August: At least 14 assemblies (Bangkok 3, provinces 11). Political issues 6 times and ESCR 8 times.
- September: At least 14 assemblies (Bangkok: 9; provinces: 5). Political issues 8 times and ESCR 5 times.
Analysis and Observations
The situation from the third quarter of 2025 shows that assemblies occurred every month, mostly being political assemblies and issues concerning Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR). Despite various assemblies coming to an end, the demands from the protesting groups to the government in each assembly have not been substantively resolved. This persistence underscores the urgency of the situation. Mega-projects such as the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) continue to operate. The law under this project has advanced to the stage of hearing opinions on the draft law at the C.3 forum, amid opposition from the Network of People Who Do Not Want the Special Economic Zone Law. The problem of the potash mine has not been solved, and the auto workers group is still demanding assistance from the government.
Meanwhile, the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (KPT) is still holding an overnight assembly. In addition, the assemblies demanding an end to the prosecution of those exercising their right to freedom of expression and assembly continue. A factor that may again affect the assembly trend is the outcome of the next vote on the Public Amnesty Law.
Given that the demands of the protesting groups have not been resolved and some issues persist into the third quarter of 2568 (2025), it can be inferred that assemblies will continue similarly in the last quarter of 2568 (2025). The enforcement of laws on assembly still lacks a concrete policy to guarantee the freedom of peaceful assembly —a critical issue the authorities must address urgently. This emphasis on the need for a concrete policy should make the audience feel the importance of this issue.
Recommendations
- The government must undertake a thorough review or amendment of laws related to public assembly, particularly the Public Assembly Act B.E. 2558 (2015), to ensure full compliance with international obligations, including the ICCPR.
- The government must open channels for negotiation and resolution of the demands of protesting groups in good faith, particularly on ESCR issues. This emphasis on the need for dialogue should make the audience feel the importance of this approach. Development projects or transitions must not be used as a pretext for committing human rights violations.
- Police officers should cease using excessive force and control measures during assemblies. They must guarantee that assembly prohibition orders do not obstruct the right to expression, and instead promote and facilitate peaceful assemblies.
Read and download the full report on Report on the situation of the right to freedom of assembly in the third quarter of 2025