The struggle for democracy in Thailand remains a long and arduous one, as highlighted by a recent public forum.

 

Held in memory of the brave students and pro-democracy protesters who perished during the military dictatorship five decades ago, the forum emphasised how little progress has been achieved since the historic October 14, 1973 uprising.

 

The commemorative event, organised by the October 14 Institute Foundation, was hosted at the Royal Rattanakosin Hotel. It saw a diverse turnout, with attendees ranging from individuals directly involved in the uprising half a century ago to those interested in the democratic journey of the country.

 

Taking centre stage at the forum, Peerapol Triyakasem, the foundation’s chairman, underscored the significance of the 1973 student uprising. It marked the inception of Thailand’s democratic movement, he said, which aimed to free the nation from the grip of military control, pervading sectors such as banking, commerce and investment.

However, the aftermath of the uprising ushered in an era where capitalism began to dominate the political system. Peerapol noted that capitalists metamorphosed from being financial backers with sway over political parties to become formidable players capable of orchestrating the appointment of a prime minister.

 

by Mitch Connor

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-16

 

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