The yellow bird of freedom

Public invited to make origami birds to commemorate the events of October 14, 1973

A yellow bird has been the symbol of free spirit in Thailand since the mass rally for democracy on October 14, 1973 - a landmark event in the Kingdom's political history.

To rekindle the spirit to fight for justice and peace, the organising committee

Yellow Bird - Remember October!

of the 25th Anniversary of the October 14 Event invites children and the general public to make an origami yellow bird and bring it along to Sanam Luang from October 10 to 14.

The four-day event will feature a variety of activities - cultural performances, literature kiosks, on-the-spot painting by artists from around the country, a concert, an exhibition on the country's political history, and more.

Sinsawas Yodbangteoy, head of the organising committee's artistic section, said origami yellow birds will be displayed at the event. If possible, they may be incorporated in a permanent structure or monument to commemorate October 14, which the committee is campaigning to be declared People's Rights and Freedom Day.

Before the big event, however, a host of activities will be held to warm up the public.

An exhibition of paintings with a "The Spirit for Thailand" theme goes on show from this Saturday until September 30 at the Pridi Banomyong Institute on Soi Thong Lo. Singer Supatra Indarapakdi and the Crescent Moon, Sao Soong and Klong Toey Caravan theatre groups will be performing at the exhibition's opening on Saturday.

Another art exhibition, entitled "Re-tracing the art of October" takes place at the same venue from October 3 to 30.

It is hard to believe it's been 25 years since hundreds of thousands of Thais marched along Ratchadamnoen Avenue, demanding democracy from the autocratic government. For many people, it was a day of great joy and glory.

Sadly, the glory exists only in memory. In reality, plans to build an October 14 monument, first drawn up over twenty years ago, have had trouble getting off the ground. Hopefully, foundations will be laid at the 25th anniversary event.

For people who would like to show their support, folding a little yellow bird and bringing it to Sanam Luang shouldn't be too demanding a task.

* For more information call the Pridi Banomyong Institute at 381-3860-1.