Government and Opposition Mark October 14 Anniversary, Urge Safe Dissent
Government and opposition leaders marked the 53rd anniversary of the October 14, 1973 uprising, honoring those who fought for democracy. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s representative, Phiradon Prisananantakul, said authority is a public trust and called for responsible governance that protects free expression. The ceremony at the October 14 Memorial included religious rites, flower-laying, and speeches from both sides of parliament.
Phiradon Prisananantakul, speaking on behalf of the Cabinet, said the October 14, 1973 event was a lesson that power belongs to the people, not to a few ruling groups. He recalled that after the 1932 shift from absolute monarchy to democracy, several decades passed without genuine popular rule, until millions of students, farmers, merchants and citizens reclaimed authority in 1973. He warned that authority exercised by officials is only a trust from the public and must be used responsibly. The state’s duty is not to enforce uniform thinking but to create a safe environment where differing opinions can be expressed openly and peacefully, fostering a vibrant society.
