Setting the past in stone
Twenty five years ago, several hundred thousand demonstrators marched along Ratchadamnoen Avenue to free the country from dictatorship. Students, young people and many other members of the general public raised their bare arms against batons and bullets and many lost their lives.
In the national memory the grandeur of the popular uprising on October 14, 1973, remains vivid. Despite this, there has been no permanent structure to commemorate the event - to mark the joy of the freedoms won, grief for the lives lost and the political development the event brought to people in the Kingdom.
On this year's 25th anniversary it is hoped work on the
October 14 monument - the country's long overdue tribute to those who made tremendous
sacrifices for democracy - will get off ground. Today, Outlook reveals what
people have to say about the October 14 monument.
Forty empty years - a nation silent;
Forty million people dared not move an inch;
Earth to sand and wood to stone all broken,
All asleep, all paralysed in heart and eye.
.......
So the rot set in
As it must in what is still,
Until, amid the murk
A lotus bloomed.And then a little movement,
Fair and free of filth
Unclear, still dulled
And yet a sign of life.Then the drum sounded
And the great day came.
The guns resounded
And the people fought to win.
Naowarat Pongpaiboon, Mere Movement. Written a year
after the October 14 uprising. Translated by Michael Wright
Ekavit Na Thalang, educator
The popular uprising on October 14, 1973, was an attempt by students and people to push the yoke of dictatorship off their backs. It was another step towards democracy next to the 1932 revolution which turned the country from an absolute monarchy to a democracy.
The event brought about bruises and pain. It was the price for freedom and liberty.
We have had democracy, though somewhat half-hearted, since. We already have the new constitution, which promotes decentralisation. Development was not possible without the uprising.
The October 14 event, therefore, was an important step in the development of Thai democracy. What happened then has had a great influence on how we think subsequently. That is why I think we should build a monument so future generations will have something concrete with which to commemorate the event - a reminder of one victory.
Perception and concreteness have an incredible effect on people's psychology. Recording the event in history books is not enough because we Thais are forgetful. A monument will stand as a profound symbol that will create an appreciation of democracy in Thai society.
Nithi Eawsiwong, historian
Why is the October 14 monument necessary? Because the October 14 uprising is important.
First, the event ushered in a new era in Thai politics and the monument will remind people of this transition.
More importantly, the new era embraces such values as the protection of human rights and democracy, and a monument would bring these values home to people.
Second, the uprising showed there were people - some are dead and some still alive - who believed individuals have a duty to protect the interests of society.
In my view, this concept of people dedicating themselves to a common cause was a new dimension, very much limited in the past.
In this light, no social sacrifices are more evident than during the October 14 protest. The importance of the uprising in both aspects exists, with or without the monument. The question is, do we believe these two aspects are worth being preserved and disseminated throughout out society? If we do, then we should do anything in our capacity to instill the values powerfully, effectively and rapidly.
I believe the monument is one way to keep the importance of the October 14 event in people's hearts. And I think we should build it.
Chiranan Pitpreecha: October 14 student activist
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| Painter Pratueng Emjareon at work. |
It can be a monument, text book, video or CD Rom. There is no problem as long as the truth is rightfully interpreted and conveyed. A monument, however, is different from other means of commemoration because it is also a symbol of glory.
In this sense, it will glorify the pure spirit of the students and people in fighting against military dictatorship.
Even more, a monument will pass on the spirit of democracy to future generations. Honesty and sincerity are crucial in the process of creation. But the monument will only be sacred if it can restore the October 14 spirit thoroughly without being anyone's political tool.
Charnvit Kasetsiri, historian
In ancient times, Asians built monuments or memorials for religious beliefs, pagodas or stupas, for example. Secular monuments emerged about 100 years ago - King Rama V's equestrian statue, Bangrajan villagers' statue and the Democracy Monument, to name a few.
Secular monuments are immensely relevant to politics. Statues of past rulers, for example, are mostly commissioned by governors or the power-that-be.
The October 14 monument is different.
Unlike the first generation of statues that are mostly made by state leaders (except King Taksin's statue which was initiated by politicians, members of the parliament, academics and writers), the October 14 monument is an initiative from the bottom up.
The idea for it was pushed forward by people involved in the event, students and ordinary citizens, most of them members of the middle class.
The whole business of monument building eventually boils down to the politics of memory. What people will memorise or not is politics in itself. Which monument the state or society "chooses" to build is also a political matter. Choosing not to build one, means choosing not to remember it.
The October 14 monument has been delayed by the politics of memory for 25 years. I still doubt if the construction will ever be completed.
If it is, then it will serve as a social reminder. How the monument will help people memorise anything other than the date depends on how it is designed and presented.
Chalardchai Ramitanon, anthropologist
Should Thai people commemorate what happened during October 14, 1973?
The answers vary, depending on who the people are and where they stand in society's power structure.
To me, the October 14 is significant in terms of social history. To appreciate it, we have to look at this event as a continuous process of changes, which like it or not, are irresistible.
The revolution in 1932, which replaced the absolute monarchy with a constitutional monarchy, promised Thai society that from then on their rights, freedoms and equality were guaranteed.
History, however, told us that in reality this was not the case. But the revolution did succeed in unlocking the door to liberty.
Since 1960s, rapid Westernisation has rapidly changed the country. We finally realised development was unequal. But who can ask or push for a fairer development when the door to rights and freedom is still blocked?
The October 14 uprising was not only a heroic fight of students and intellectuals. It was an attempt to open the door to freedom. What should be remembered is, that it was opened by the people, who as theory goes, are the real owners of democratic power.
All that said, it is hard to argue against a monument for an uprising which, as an ideological force, brought about freedom and equality at the cost of many lives and much suffering.
Chatchai Puypia, artist
"I helped shape the idea of walling the base of the monument with small terra cotta panels each bearing the heroes' names, and with other impressions of the event by artists and ordinary people.
The original design gave a sense of stillness, confounded by the use of a simple form, rock, metal and clear glass.
I don't think a monument for such a dynamic event should be an architecture that is complete in itself. I would like to involve people, to encourage participation. The terra cotta tiles, therefore, came into the picture.
Terra cotta has the right feeling. We can write names, make traces or record anything on it. The panels will incorporate elements from a wide base of people. It will become a live sculpture, something like conceptual art. We won't be able to predict what the outcome will be.
I do believe the beauty of the monument lies not on its form or fixed design, but in the participation and cooperation that goes on behind its construction.
I think we should expand the participation through the terra cotta panels in the future. If more people want to express their ideas, we can use them to decorate the walls, the amphitheatre or the building itself.
It is the truth and feelings expressed by real people that matter, not any theory about art and aesthetics.
Kanya Chareonsuphakul, artist
The monument as a whole represents ideas about the quest for freedom and right things. It is like a page in the history of the Thai people.
As an art form, the monument should effectively convey the historical importance of the event. It must be simple and easy to understand because it is supposed to grasp the attention of every Thai.
It is also a reminder for the powers-that-be, the rulers and the public.
It should remind them, not that we have already attained the perfection, but that we should continue to walk forward with care. There shouldn't be any more losses.
Preecha Thaothong, artist
What is distinctive about the monument is the fact the organising committee invites local artists to incorporate their ideas about the event into the monument.
The cooperation reflects the essence of democracy. Each terra cotta panel is one vote cast. It is not the way monuments were built in Thailand.
The names of people who died during the event will also be written on the terra cotta panels. Poems and writings about the uprising will also be recorded, merging visual art with literature. The terra cotta walls will be like a flow, fusing different elements in life. The dead heroes will become a part of the flow, too.
Somchai Hattakitkosol, artist
The monument gives a sense of power and sharpness. It is stunning enough to turn heads.
I feel that it has the form of traditional Thai pagodas, which are recognisable wherever they stand. It looks strong and stable, at the same time embracing a sense of grace and delicateness.
The top part of the monument resembles the tops of waves, telling the people of how far they have come and the long road ahead.
From another angle, the wave-like feature may serve to dispel any remaining resentment or bitterness, just like waves that sweep the shore clean.
Wasant Sithiket, artist
The core of the monument is the people's fight for freedom and democracy. Many died for these values. The monument exists to announce that the fight has not ended. It is not a place to light candles or incense sticks and pray. It is a symbol of life, ideology and responsibility for social change.
Prapat Panyachatrak, wounded during the uprising
The monument is extremely important because it will be a proof of the virtue and bravery of the people who fought for democracy. It will also remind the society not to resort to violence to suppress the people again.
Above all, it will be a concrete example for youth to learn about social dedication.
There were times in the past when I felt resentful that there was no progress on the monument. It is a bit late to build it now. But I am glad I have a chance to see it before I die.
I would love Thai people to realise the importance of the October 14 uprising. Don't forget things easily. Especially people who suffered from the event and their relatives. These people need and deserve attention and care from us.
They made a tremendous contribution to society, but have received little or nothing in return. We have left these wounded souls to struggle in solitude for so long. It is time to pay them back.