{
  "id": 15133288,
  "title": "We must save the poor, just not see them or hear them",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/we-must-save-the-poor-just-not-see-them-or-hear-them",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T05:29:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Bangkok Post",
    "slug": "bangkok-post",
    "url": "https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/3338739/we-must-save-the-poor-just-not-see-them-or-hear-them"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thailand ensured international financial authorities like the IMF and World Bank never met with the people they claim to assist. Despite acknowledging their lack of direct influence, the disconnect was evident as delegates discussed \"safety nets\" for the vulnerable while police kept them physically separated. The IMF and World Bank meetings devoted significant time and media attention to protecting the poor. Rodrigo Valdes of the IMF's fiscal affairs department highlighted how poor households are especially vulnerable to food price fluctuations caused by various factors. However, actual representatives of the poor and economically vulnerable were explicitly told they should not intervene in the talks. On Oct 15, about 600 members of the People's Network Against the World Bank and IMF marched towards the conference center, only to be blocked by police and directed to a protest area. While the march was described as peaceful, a brief scuffle occurred when protesters tried to unfurl a banner. The assembly of the poor and La Via Campesina were prevented from reaching the meetings due to barricades set up by police. Inside the convention center, leaders discussed resilience, reform, and targeted support for vulnerable households. However, the demonstrators argued that policies associated with international institutions and large projects often benefit corporations while burdening communities with environmental and financial costs. The decision to keep the protesters at a distance suggested that no meaningful dialogue would take place. While conference organizers may have security concerns, the organizers of such an event should address the contradiction of excluding those whose voices directly relate to the discussions. Thailand, with its evident economic disparity, seemed reluctant to extend any special consideration to the disadvantaged, raising doubts about the sincerity of their intentions.",
  "summary": "Fully acknowledging that international financial bodies do not have direct influence over the decisions of countries like, say, Thailand, it is still difficult to deny the disconnect as conference delegates gravely discuss “safety nets” for the vulnerable while police keep those very people physically at bay.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}