Ukrainians in Chiang Mai gathered on Sunday (27 February 2022) at Tha Pae gate, a popular tourist landmark in Chiang Mai city, to call for an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Protesters at Tha Pae gate

The Ukrainian community in Chiang Mai invited those who are against the invasion to join the protest and make their objections known to the Russian government. Protesters were seen holding Ukrainian flags and placards saying “Stop war” and “We stand with Ukraine.” They also wrote a joint letter to the Russian consulate in Chiang Mai.

Some protesters gave speeches about the ongoing violence in Ukraine. A Ukrainian woman who joined the protest said that her family is in danger, and that a bomb was dropped near her father’s apartment only several hours before the protest.

A Chiang Mai protester writing a message on a piece of paper

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, a protest march took place from Lumpini Park to Benjakitti Park to call for an end to the invasion. Protesters painted their faces with the blue and yellow of Ukraine’s national flag, and carried Ukrainian flags and blue and yellow ribbons during the march. According to the Bangkok Post, protesters from Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, along with Thai and other national supporters, participated in the march to call for Russian forces to immediately leave Ukraine.

Police officers from Lumpini Police Station oversaw the march, and said that the event was not prohibited, but protesters should keep a safe distance from each other and to be careful of gatherings, since Thailand is currently under a law preventing the spread of Covid-19.

Police officers also prohibited the protesters from going inside Benjakitti Park while carrying flags and banners, so the protesters ended the march in front of Benjakitti Park after singing the Ukrainian national anthem.