[Bangkok Post] Unrest Erupts in Bangkok

Economic and social policies have made the Thai government and the IMF 

deeply unpopular 

March 4, 1998 - BANGKOK


In its response to the financial crisis, the Thai government has attempted to control inflation and currency 

depreciation through maintaining a high 20% interest rate and cutting social spending. Thai citizens that 

were dependent on its recently created (and recently cut) social security programmes now struggle to adapt 

without support from the state, while industrial and research spending continues to plummet. This week, 

protests have erupted across the streets of Bangkok decrying the government’s policies and expressing 

strong opposition to the IMF. With fears arising and panic spreading through the country, not only is swift 

action encouraged, but terrifying repercussions likely to follow without it.

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

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