Energy protesters confront PM at Gastech exhibition, demand shift from fossil fuels

Energy protesters led by Greenpeace Thailand barged into Gastech Bangkok 2026 Exhibition & Conference at Bitec centre this morning (Sep. 14) and tried to submit a petition directly to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul but he slipped away, Naewna newspaper said. Amidst very tight security Anutin presided over the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote address then visited the exhibition booths. Just then a network of communities affected by fossil gas and energy industries led by Mr. Manoon Wongmacheh, a climate change and energy campaigner from Greenpeace Thailand — approached him. The demonstrators had been protesting outside Bitec Bangna to demand that the government reconsider its role in co-hosting the event with major fossil fuel industry players, carrying placards with one of them reading: “Rayong can’t take it anymore! You get rich, we stay poor.” Protesters who accompanied Manoon to the event venue, also displayed placards with messages such as “No new fossil gas,” “Profits for a few, a burden for the whole nation (Greenpeace),” and “Stop the Burapha power plant.” They held up an open letter and shouted, “Mr. Anutin, please accept the villagers’ letter.” The Prime Minister then turned to look at them. When officials attempted to negotiate, asking the group to submit their petition to a representative from the Government Public Service Centre instead, the group insisted on waiting right there until the Prime Minister came to speak to them, stating they had never received any answers. A representative of the protesters then stood and read the petition aloud just as a security team escorted Anutin out through a different exit to avoid a confrontation with the protesters. The Prime Minister did not give interviews to the media, however at one point he remarked to the ministers accompanying him and his team, “Thank you. I’ll be away for the next two or three days.” When reporters asked if he had issued any directives regarding energy issues after walking past the energy-sector protesters, Anutin did not respond. He also remained silent when asked for his opinion on the Election Commission scheduled to announce details regarding the Senate election case later today. He just got into his vehicle, waved, and said, “Bye-bye.” When reporters again asked for an interview — noting that he would be away for several days — the Prime Minister replied, “So you’ll miss me.” Reporters noted that security at the event was extremely tight, involving the Special Operations Unit of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 5 and Special Branch. Ministers were accompanied by individual Special Branch bodyguards, and special operations officers were stationed at every entrance. Protesters had hung a large banner reading “Your gas deal our loss” at the venue’s entrance, but officials subsequently removed it before the Prime Minister’s arrival This and Front Page: Energy protesters at Bitec exhibition centre this morning, Sep. 14, 2026. Photos – Naewna