Oct 14 memorial prompts reflection

All present call for lasting democracy

The Oct 14 popular uprising should serve as a lesson for the public and those in power to pursue lasting democracy, politicians and political activists said yesterday.

The call was made at the Oct 14 Memorial at Khok Wua intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, where a series of activities were held to mark the 46th anniversary of the 1973 mass uprising against a military dictatorship.

A multi-religious ceremony comprising Buddhist, Christian and Muslim rituals was held by relatives of those who died in the uprising who laid wreaths in their honour.

Also present were representatives from the government, parliament, political parties, the National Human Rights Commission and representatives from various civil groups

Natthachai Srirungsukphinit, adviser to the PM’s Office Minister, represented Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, while Ongart Klampaiboon, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, joined the ceremony on behalf of House Speaker Chuan Leekpai.

Mr Natthachai said that Oct 14 will always be dedicated to the memory of those who valued and fought for democracy. The tragedy also marked the beginning of the civil sector taking a more participatory role in pushing for democracy, he said.

Mr Ongart praised the Oct 14 heroes and heroines, saying their bravery and sacrifices will remain etched in the public memory.

Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Ladawan Wongsriwong said that those who sacrificed themselves to

protecting democracy and civil liberties will always be remembered for their commitment to pushing for a lasting democracy.

She said that the seven-party opposition has agreed that the country will win back confidence only when true democracy returns and no particular party is favoured over others. She added the current constitution needs to be amended to ensure the public are treated equally and fairly.

Relatives of those who died in the

uprising said that they wanted all involved to keep democracy moving forward and for politicians and MPs to proceed with charter amendments to make Thailand more democratic.

Meanwhile, various civil networks gathered at Thammasat University’s Tha Phra Chan campus to announce their push for “a people’s constitution”. They included the People Go, People for State Welfare, Alternative Agriculture, and Four Regions Slum networks.

Also present was Kasetsart

University social scientist Chalita Bundhuwong, who gave her views on changing Section 1 of the constitution at a public discussion in Pattani on Sept 28 which was also attended by some opposition leaders.

Ms Chalita is among 12 people who are named in a sedition complaint filed by Internal Security Operations Command’s Region 4 forward command with police in Pattani province on Oct 3.

The others include Sompong

Amornwiwat, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and Prachachat Party leader Wan Muhammad Nor Matha.

Lertsak Khamkhongsak, a representative of People Go Network, said that the civil networks will hold forums to gather public feedback on charter amendments and their members from all regions will walk to Bangkok as part of their campaign for constitutional amendment.

CHANAT KATANYU A woman points at a picture of her relative who lost his life during the popular uprising on Oct 14, 1973 as a commemoration activity was held at the Oct 14 Memorial at Khok Wua intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue in the capital yesterday. She also held up a placard reading ‘Democracy never dies’.