“You can tell from their uniforms that they (protesters) were students who skipped class to rally for democracy. The result was an end to the long-reigning dictatorship dating back to the military coup in 1947 – altogether 26 years. October 14 ushered in an era of rights and freedom for the people. It was a pity that democracy flourished for only 3 years before the October-6 event took place – right at this very same spot (Thammasat University). Though we were able to wrestle back a constitution, three more coups followed. One of them in 1991 which led to another popular uprising in 1992 led by the same groups of people who took part in the October-14 Uprising. Two more coups followed in 2006 and 2014. 50 years have passed, and the spirit to fight for people’s rights and freedom forever remains at this spot (Thammasat campus) when people talk about the cry for democracy which originated with the October-14 Uprising.”
