Friday, June 27, 2025
The Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, affiliated with Mahidol University, made an official announcement regarding the suspension of services on Thursday, June 26. The hospital confirmed that the shutdown of its special and premium clinics would begin from 3 PM on Saturday, June 28, and will remain in effect for the duration of the protest. The hospital issued a statement noting the necessity of this action due to safety concerns arising from the anticipated rally, which is expected to cause severe disruptions in the area surrounding Victory Monument.
As one of the leading hospitals in the city, Ramathibodi’s decision to suspend services is significant, particularly for those patients who rely on specialized medical care. The hospital advised affected patients to visit its website for further information and updates.
Public Safety and Hospital Operations Amid Protests
While the political unrest may be expected to cause inconvenience, the safety of patients, hospital staff, and the public remains the priority. Hospitals, especially those in central areas like Ramathibodi, are crucial facilities in ensuring public health and safety, which is why such decisions are made with considerable foresight. The timing of the protest—during peak hours when the hospital is busiest—also played a key role in the decision to limit services.
The hospital’s message to the public was clear: “Due to the political rally, Ramathibodi Hospital will suspend services at the special and premium clinics on Saturday, June 28 from 3 PM onwards.” The hospital also encouraged individuals requiring further assistance or clarification to visit its official website for more detailed information.
Traffic Disruptions and Police Warnings
Alongside the suspension of hospital services, the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has issued a stern traffic advisory in anticipation of the protest’s impact on the city’s roads. According to the advisory, traffic congestion is expected to be severe around Victory Monument and the surrounding roads from 3 PM to 10 PM on Saturday, June 28, due to the rally. Authorities have warned that commuters should expect significant delays and have urged them to avoid the areas around Victory Monument if possible.
The protest’s expected scale has already begun to leave its mark on the city’s infrastructure, even before it starts. Victory Monument is a major traffic hub in Bangkok, and with thousands of protesters expected to gather, the surrounding roads are likely to face extreme congestion. To manage the situation, the police have provided several alternative routes for motorists:
- Inbound Phahon Yothin Road: Drivers can turn into Soi Din Daeng 1 to access Din Daeng Road, or make a U-turn in front of the PTT petrol station at Sanam Pao to then use Phahon Yothin Soi 2 or Soi 5.
- Inbound Din Daeng Road: Motorists can turn left onto Ratchaprarop Road at the Din Daeng Triangle or use Ratchawithi Soi 3 and Soi Rang Nam to avoid major traffic buildup.
- Outbound Phaya Thai Road: Drivers are advised to turn left into Soi Yothi to connect with Rama VI Road or use Ratchawithi Soi 15 and pass through the Tuek Chai intersection to avoid congested areas.
- Outbound Ratchawithi Road: This road will be closed from the Tuek Chai intersection onwards, further complicating traffic flow in the vicinity.
Apologies and Recommendations from Police
The MPB, recognizing the inconvenience this protest will cause to daily commuters, has issued an apology for the disruption. It has encouraged the public to plan their travels accordingly, especially those who need to pass through central Bangkok between 3 PM and 10 PM. To assist those in need of further guidance, the MPB has also made its hotline (1197) available for inquiries.
As part of the government’s proactive approach to minimize traffic chaos, the MPB has mapped out these alternate routes to help mitigate the congestion. While they are not foolproof solutions, they offer some relief to those who may need to travel through central Bangkok during this challenging time.
Impact on Daily Life in Bangkok
Saturday’s protest is expected to disrupt much more than just hospital services and traffic. In addition to the suspension of medical services at Ramathibodi Hospital, other businesses in the area, including restaurants and retail outlets, may also face disruptions due to the large crowds and road closures. The increased security presence around Victory Monument could lead to further restrictions on pedestrian movement, complicating life for residents and workers in the area.
For individuals who may have urgent medical needs or those with appointments at Ramathibodi or nearby clinics, it is essential to check for the most recent updates on service availability. With services suspended, those in need of immediate medical attention may need to seek alternative care facilities in other parts of the city, potentially exacerbating the pressure on already busy hospitals and clinics.
Broader Context of Political Protests in Bangkok
Political protests in Bangkok have become a common occurrence in recent years, often in response to perceived governmental actions or political issues of national importance. These protests are typically organized by various political factions, with the aim of voicing dissent or demanding specific changes. Although protests are a constitutionally protected form of expression in Thailand, they can have unintended consequences for daily life, as demonstrated by the planned disruption of services at Ramathibodi Hospital.
As protests continue to be an important aspect of Thai political discourse, authorities must balance the rights of protesters with the needs of the public, particularly in urban areas where infrastructure and services can be easily overwhelmed. The public’s ability to freely express political opinions is a cornerstone of democracy, but it also carries the responsibility of considering the impact on non-participating citizens who may be affected by the disruptions.
Preparing for the Rally: What to Expect on June 28
Residents of Bangkok should prepare for heightened security measures, road closures, and delays in public transportation. Those who need to travel through the central districts of the city should plan their journeys in advance, using the alternative routes provided by the MPB or considering postponing travel if possible. Given the scale of the protest and the potential for major traffic disruptions, it may be wise to avoid the area around Victory Monument altogether.
Moreover, people with appointments at Ramathibodi Hospital or other medical facilities in the vicinity should consider rescheduling their visits if possible or looking for alternative healthcare providers. As the hospital suspends its special and premium clinics, patients relying on these services could face delays in receiving the care they need.
Conclusion: A Day of Disruptions Ahead for Bangkok
As the city braces for a major political protest near Victory Monument, the impact on both daily life and public services will be profound. The suspension of services at Ramathibodi Hospital, one of Bangkok’s top medical institutions, serves as a reminder of how political unrest can ripple through various sectors of society, affecting everyone from patients seeking medical attention to commuters trying to navigate the city’s roads.
With police warning of severe traffic disruptions and hospital services on hold, it is clear that the rally will leave its mark on Bangkok this Saturday. While the protest may be a legitimate expression of political discourse, it also highlights the challenges faced by urban centers in managing large-scale demonstrations and maintaining public services and order.
As Bangkok prepares for this event, both the authorities and residents must remain vigilant, adapt to the disruptions, and ensure that essential services continue to function despite the chaos.
Bangkok is gearing up for chaos this Saturday, June 28, 2025, as a significant political protest near the Victory Monument is expected to cause widespread disruptions throughout the city. In a precautionary measure, Ramathibodi Hospital, one of the city’s premier medical institutions, has announced the suspension of services at its special and premium clinics from 3 PM onwards, as a result of the protest. The hospital’s decision to shut down certain operations is a direct response to safety concerns posed by the nearby rally, which is anticipated to lead to traffic gridlocks and significant public disturbances across the Ratchathewi district.
Ramathibodi Hospital Closes Clinics Amid Protest Concerns
The Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, affiliated with Mahidol University, made an official announcement regarding the suspension of services on Thursday, June 26. The hospital confirmed that the shutdown of its special and premium clinics would begin from 3 PM on Saturday, June 28, and will remain in effect for the duration of the protest. The hospital issued a statement noting the necessity of this action due to safety concerns arising from the anticipated rally, which is expected to cause severe disruptions in the area surrounding Victory Monument.
As one of the leading hospitals in the city, Ramathibodi’s decision to suspend services is significant, particularly for those patients who rely on specialized medical care. The hospital advised affected patients to visit its website for further information and updates.
Public Safety and Hospital Operations Amid Protests
While the political unrest may be expected to cause inconvenience, the safety of patients, hospital staff, and the public remains the priority. Hospitals, especially those in central areas like Ramathibodi, are crucial facilities in ensuring public health and safety, which is why such decisions are made with considerable foresight. The timing of the protest—during peak hours when the hospital is busiest—also played a key role in the decision to limit services.
The hospital’s message to the public was clear: “Due to the political rally, Ramathibodi Hospital will suspend services at the special and premium clinics on Saturday, June 28 from 3 PM onwards.” The hospital also encouraged individuals requiring further assistance or clarification to visit its official website for more detailed information.
Traffic Disruptions and Police Warnings
Alongside the suspension of hospital services, the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has issued a stern traffic advisory in anticipation of the protest’s impact on the city’s roads. According to the advisory, traffic congestion is expected to be severe around Victory Monument and the surrounding roads from 3 PM to 10 PM on Saturday, June 28, due to the rally. Authorities have warned that commuters should expect significant delays and have urged them to avoid the areas around Victory Monument if possible.
The protest’s expected scale has already begun to leave its mark on the city’s infrastructure, even before it starts. Victory Monument is a major traffic hub in Bangkok, and with thousands of protesters expected to gather, the surrounding roads are likely to face extreme congestion. To manage the situation, the police have provided several alternative routes for motorists:
- Inbound Phahon Yothin Road: Drivers can turn into Soi Din Daeng 1 to access Din Daeng Road, or make a U-turn in front of the PTT petrol station at Sanam Pao to then use Phahon Yothin Soi 2 or Soi 5.
- Inbound Din Daeng Road: Motorists can turn left onto Ratchaprarop Road at the Din Daeng Triangle or use Ratchawithi Soi 3 and Soi Rang Nam to avoid major traffic buildup.
- Outbound Phaya Thai Road: Drivers are advised to turn left into Soi Yothi to connect with Rama VI Road or use Ratchawithi Soi 15 and pass through the Tuek Chai intersection to avoid congested areas.
- Outbound Ratchawithi Road: This road will be closed from the Tuek Chai intersection onwards, further complicating traffic flow in the vicinity.
Apologies and Recommendations from Police
The MPB, recognizing the inconvenience this protest will cause to daily commuters, has issued an apology for the disruption. It has encouraged the public to plan their travels accordingly, especially those who need to pass through central Bangkok between 3 PM and 10 PM. To assist those in need of further guidance, the MPB has also made its hotline (1197) available for inquiries.
As part of the government’s proactive approach to minimize traffic chaos, the MPB has mapped out these alternate routes to help mitigate the congestion. While they are not foolproof solutions, they offer some relief to those who may need to travel through central Bangkok during this challenging time.
Impact on Daily Life in Bangkok
Saturday’s protest is expected to disrupt much more than just hospital services and traffic. In addition to the suspension of medical services at Ramathibodi Hospital, other businesses in the area, including restaurants and retail outlets, may also face disruptions due to the large crowds and road closures. The increased security presence around Victory Monument could lead to further restrictions on pedestrian movement, complicating life for residents and workers in the area.
For individuals who may have urgent medical needs or those with appointments at Ramathibodi or nearby clinics, it is essential to check for the most recent updates on service availability. With services suspended, those in need of immediate medical attention may need to seek alternative care facilities in other parts of the city, potentially exacerbating the pressure on already busy hospitals and clinics.
Broader Context of Political Protests in Bangkok
Political protests in Bangkok have become a common occurrence in recent years, often in response to perceived governmental actions or political issues of national importance. These protests are typically organized by various political factions, with the aim of voicing dissent or demanding specific changes. Although protests are a constitutionally protected form of expression in Thailand, they can have unintended consequences for daily life, as demonstrated by the planned disruption of services at Ramathibodi Hospital.
As protests continue to be an important aspect of Thai political discourse, authorities must balance the rights of protesters with the needs of the public, particularly in urban areas where infrastructure and services can be easily overwhelmed. The public’s ability to freely express political opinions is a cornerstone of democracy, but it also carries the responsibility of considering the impact on non-participating citizens who may be affected by the disruptions.
Preparing for the Rally: What to Expect on June 28
Residents of Bangkok should prepare for heightened security measures, road closures, and delays in public transportation. Those who need to travel through the central districts of the city should plan their journeys in advance, using the alternative routes provided by the MPB or considering postponing travel if possible. Given the scale of the protest and the potential for major traffic disruptions, it may be wise to avoid the area around Victory Monument altogether.
Moreover, people with appointments at Ramathibodi Hospital or other medical facilities in the vicinity should consider rescheduling their visits if possible or looking for alternative healthcare providers. As the hospital suspends its special and premium clinics, patients relying on these services could face delays in receiving the care they need.
Conclusion: A Day of Disruptions Ahead for Bangkok
As the city braces for a major political protest near Victory Monument, the impact on both daily life and public services will be profound. The suspension of services at Ramathibodi Hospital, one of Bangkok’s top medical institutions, serves as a reminder of how political unrest can ripple through various sectors of society, affecting everyone from patients seeking medical attention to commuters trying to navigate the city’s roads.
With police warning of severe traffic disruptions and hospital services on hold, it is clear that the rally will leave its mark on Bangkok this Saturday. While the protest may be a legitimate expression of political discourse, it also highlights the challenges faced by urban centers in managing large-scale demonstrations and maintaining public services and order.
As Bangkok prepares for this event, both the authorities and residents must remain vigilant, adapt to the disruptions, and ensure that essential services continue to function despite the chaos.
Tags: bangkok, Bangkok traffic, Hospital Suspension, Police Traffic Measures, Political Protest, Political Rally, protests, public safety, Ramathibodi Hospital, Ratchathewi, Thailand, traffic advisory, traffic disruption, Victory Monument
