Thai Ambassador to France Reports Calming Protest Situation; No Thai Citizens Injured

Key summary

Nikorn Det Polangkun, Thailand's Ambassador to France, told THE STANDARD that protests across France have begun to subside in many cities, including Paris, where residents are resuming normal activities. As of the report, no Thai nationals had reported being injured or affected by the weekend riots. The embassy has opened a hotline for seven days to receive reports from citizens. Nikorn Det noted this is the fourth consecutive week of protests, initiated in September by student and university leaders demanding improved welfare and educational conditions. A major nationwide rally was scheduled via social media for Saturday, October 17. Unlike previous weeks, this protest involved trade unions, Yellow Vests, and citizens struggling with high living costs, expanding demands to include public service quality and inequality. French Interior Minister estimates around 550,000 protesters nationwide, while organizers claim up to 800,000. Approximately 100,000 gathered in Paris, with rallies also held in 110 other cities; the five largest gatherings were in Paris, Limoges, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Lyon. The ambassador stated that while protests are common, this week was more violent, particularly in Limoges where a mayor's office was burned, and in Paris where luxury stores were looted. Reports indicate foreign nationals participated in some looting incidents following arson attacks. Authorities arrested over 1,000 people for property destruction or theft, and about 150 officials were injured during clashes. Police used crowd control equipment as permitted by law because the rallies were unauthorized. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornou blamed far-left groups for the unrest and violence, noting France faces general elections in six months. Similar student-led protests via social media spread to Milan, Italy, and cities in Belgium and Albania. The embassy contacted Thai associations and received no reports of injuries or participation among Thais, though potential academic disruptions like online classes remain a possibility. No damage was reported to Thai restaurants or businesses, though some citizens could not return home due to nearby fires, and shops near rally points closed temporarily. Most Thai operators have existing measures for annual protests. The ambassador expects the situation to de-escalate but warned of future rallies by various groups. President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to address the issue tonight (Thai time), with potential government responses regarding budgets or spending cuts affecting state welfare.