REPRESENTATIVES of government and opposition parties joined a merit-making ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Oct. 6, 1976 massacre of scores of student activists on the lawn of Thammasat University by state forces, Manager Online said.
The campus had been occupied by student demonstrators who opposed the return to Thailand of former dictator Thanom Kittikachorn. The military and arch royalists accused them of being antimonarchical communists, and the military, police and right-wing paramilitary forces had Thammasat surrounded, Time magazine said.
With thousands of students under siege, authorities opened fire onto the campus with M-16s, recoilless rifles and grenades. For several hours, these forces — later joined by vigilantes — shot, beat, raped and murdered unarmed students, some as they tried to either flee or surrender. The chaos was used to justify a military coup later that same day.
Official figures put the death toll at 46, with 167 wounded and more than 3,000 students arrested. The death toll is disputed to this day, with survivors putting it at more like 100.
Today’s wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Historical Sculpture Park within Thammasat University, Tha Prachan campus, with Prime Minister-cum-Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul assigning Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Paradorn Prissanananthakul as his representative in delivering a commemorative address and laying a wreath.
Also joining the ceremony were Dr. Sriyada Palimaphan, secretary-general of Pheu Thai Party, and Mr. Chaturon Chaisang, a Pheu Thai Party list MP. Meanwhile, the opposition delegation was led by People’s leader and MP Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, with other People’s MPs joining him including Ms. Panida Mongkolsawat and Mr. Nattawut Buaprathum.
A full day of activities is being held to mark this violence such as documentary screenings, playing “songs for life” (protest music), performances, panel discussions, and a mock trial stage play.
Nattapong said after the ceremony that a study of Thai political history reveals very few periods that could be considered times of “full democracy.” While the events of October 1973 sparked a sense that freedom and democracy were returning, that period lasted only about three years before the events of October 1976 occurred.
Since then, Thailand has entered an era where true democracy has been largely absent. For those of us living in the present era—what is termed the “Blue Regime”—this is viewed as a form of authoritarianism wherein specific political factions or groups of individuals within the country managed to seize control of political and economic power, as well as the mechanisms of oversight and regulation. The first key to unlocking this political situation is to proceed with holding accountable those involved in the scheme to rig the Senate election.
Regarding whether the “Blue Regime” differs from situations in the past, Nattapong stated that he believes the authoritarian nature remains unchanged; it still lacks a genuine connection to the people. However, the form of this power has shifted. While past regimes relied on military might and armed force, the current iteration employs “lawfare”—a strategy that actually began some time ago. This approach is rooted in undemocratic rules—specifically, the 2017 Constitution.
Meanwhile Phumtham Wechayachai, a key figure in Pheu Thai Party and a former student activist, posted a message on Facebook commemorating the Oct. 6, 1976 massacre.
He emphasised learning from the past to move towards the future and passing truth and lessons, not anger and hatred.
“In the early hours of October 6, 1976, violence was unleashed against protesters at Thammasat University.
“Many were killed, injured, or arrested. That same evening, a coup d’état took place, bringing an end to parliamentary politics that had followed the events of October 14, 1973.
“Fifty years have passed, and we may hold differing opinions regarding these past events.
“However, there is one thing Thai society should not deny: when hatred is cultivated to the point where those with differing views are seen as enemies, violence can erupt.
“And when political conflict ends in the use of force, democracy is cut short, and society’s learning process is severed along with it.
“Therefore, I believe that commemorating October 6, 1976, should not be about passing on anger and hatred, nor about judging who won or lost, nor exploiting past losses for present-day political gain. What we ought to do is face the truth squarely, honour the victims with dignity, and acknowledge the aspirations of the young people of that era— their desire for democracy and justice,” Phumtham wrote.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: People’s leader Nattapong Ruangpanyawut and other participants in the commemorative ceremony marking the Oct. 6, 1976 massacre. Photo – Manager Online
First insert: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s wreath at this ceremony. Photo – Manager Online
Second and third inserts: Key figure in Pheu Thai Party Phumtham Wechayachai today and giving a speech as a student activist. Photos – Naewna
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