A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the IMF Meetings …
During the IMF meetings in Bangkok, a routine search for lunch turned into a front-row seat to local protests. The post A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the IMF Meetings … appeared first on Global Finance Magazine .
Three days of meetings at the IMF and World Bank in Bangkok left me free Thursday morning, with only a panel on the global economy scheduled for that afternoon. After catching up on work in the morning, I ventured out for lunch, only to discover a surprise. Security around the convention center had tightened, closing off Ratchadaphisek Road to traffic.
With no time to spare, I headed south to the intersection with Rama Road near Khlong Toei Market. The streets buzzed with activity as police prepared for potential unrest. I crossed a pedestrian bridge to get a closer look at the protest. A crowd of thousand gathered, their cause clear: protesting the presence of the IMF and World Bank in Bangkok.
Their demands included land rights, a carbon tax, and opposition to the World Bank's visit. Despite the heavy police presence, the atmosphere remained peaceful. Undeterred, I returned to my hotel, but the entrance was blocked. I found a shortcut that proved quicker. Disappointed by missing both lunch and the debate, I still managed to capture the story unfolding on the streets.
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