Pak Mun Dam Protesters Plan March to Bangkok Over Ecological and Economic Demands

According to a report by Khaosod Online on August 4, 2026, the Assembly of the Poor is organizing a protest march to Bangkok following their annual fish festival. The group, represented by coordinator Sodsai Srangsok, is seeking government action regarding the long-standing impacts of the Pak Mun Dam in Ubon Ratchathani province.

The protesters are calling for the dam’s gates to be opened year-round, or at minimum for a six-to-seven-month period starting in April to align with fish migration patterns. Sodsai argues that the dam has provided negligible national energy security over its 36-year history. Conversely, she noted that opening the gates for just one month in April generates nearly 300 million baht in tourism revenue for the Kaeng Sapue area, suggesting that year-round operation could significantly boost the local economy.

For residents and visitors, this movement highlights ongoing tensions regarding water management and environmental policy in the Northeast. While the protesters emphasize that previous Cabinet resolutions regarding gate openings have been inconsistently applied due to water level criteria, the ultimate goal remains the permanent opening of the dam. It remains to be confirmed how the government will respond to these specific demands and whether the planned march will lead to adjustments in current dam operation protocols.