October 14, 1973: The day Thais thought they cemented democracy

[snoop1130]

 

How elusive true democracy is. Even the super-massive protesting turnout on the Rajadamnoen Avenue 50 years ago cannot really establish a good political system immune to military intervention, bloodshed, corruption, cover-ups and thought manipulations.

 

October 14, 1973 is a watershed, though, as it showcased the power of the new generation clamouring for changes for the better. Only the forces it created have collided many times ever since and unfortunately diluted their preciousness in the process.

 

Three years later there was the October 6 massacre. Consequences set the clock back and ushered in a long period of what many described as “half-baked democracy”. When late Chatichai Choonhavan became prime minister in 1988, ending over a decade of non-elected premiership, fresh democratic euphoria presented itself, only for cautious optimism to largely dissipate rather quickly due to the usual flaws like nepotism and graft allegations.

 

Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-17

 

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[mfd101]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

it showcased the power of the new generation clamouring for changes for the better.

And now they're in their 70s and 80s ...

[herfiehandbag]

13 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

And now they're in their 70s and 80s ...

 

And the goons with the guns, and the hats from central casting costume department, are still swaggering around.

 

But there are younger generations now, who are under no illusions and want to be heard.

[lordgrinz]

Democracy in Thailand is only an illusion, it will never exist here.

[mfd101]

26 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

But there are younger generations now, who are under no illusions and want to be heard.

Yes, and those now in their 70s & 80s were the same 50 years ago.

[newbee2022]

1 hour ago, lordgrinz said:

Democracy in Thailand is only an illusion, it will never exist here.

Ah, you looked into your crystal ball🥳???