The 14 October 1973 Memorial
lest we forget

By Eric Lim

The 14 October 1973 Memorial in Bangkok was erected to preserve the memory of those who were killed on that fateful day when thousands demonstrated against the military dictatorship.

It stands at the junction of Central Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Tanao Road, not far from the Democracy Monument where most of the demonstrators were gathered back in October 1973.

The memorial, a conical structure rising from a rectangular pedestal, is at the center of an elevated arena shaded by trees and plants in the outer perimeter.

A poignant inscription at the pedestal expresses the sorrow of lamenting parents waiting in vain for the return of their missing children whose names are inscribed on the sides.

Please see map to the memorial.



Names and a message at the base

A museum has been constructed as an extension of the 14 October 1973 Memorial and it's divided into three levels. The first level is the elevated arena and garden, with an exhibition area for photos of the October revolution behind the memorial.


The sculpture in the garden

The photos are a stirring record of the tumultuous days in October 1973; tens of thousands massing at the Democracy Monument, the violent military response, masses of demonstrators running for their lives and jumping into canals, the courage and defiance as some fought back using buses to block tanks and the tragic aftermath.



Spirit of the seventies

A spiral staircase leads to the 14 October Foundation in the mezzanine floor below and then to the basement with the office and library.

Every year on 14 October, services will be held at the memorial to commemorate the occasion and the sacrifices of those who lost their lives during the October revolution in 1973.



Those who gave their lives

"Democracy achieved at the price of blood, flesh and lives."

The 14 October 1973 Memorial serves as a stark reminder of a grim period in Thai political history and a dedication to the brave young men and women who stood up and died for a cause.

Map to the 14 October 1973 Memorial


View Larger Map

Back

How to get there

The memorial is along Ratchadamnoen Klang (central) Road less that 300 m from the Democracy Monument. As you as walking from the Democracy Monument, it's on your left, just before the Kokwua intersection where Tanao Road cuts across Ratchadamnoen Avenue. 

The air-conditioned bus service number 79 from Pratunam (bus stop in front of the Grand Diamond Pratunam Hotel) will take you to Ratchadamnoen Avenue and the memorial. 

For details of that fateful day on 14 October 1973 and to return to the Democracy Monument.

Related Pages

6 October 1976

14 October 1973


My Journey through Thailand Part I The First Steps

This is my second e-book and the first in the series of travel journals on my trips to explore the various provinces in Thailand. This edition, which covers my travels from late 2009 to mid-2013, will guide you to historical sites, cultural monuments and exquisite Thai handicraft, across a vast spectrum of cultural and ethnic diversity.

You can have a virtual tour with this e-guide book or take the first steps yourself in this journey through Thailand.


My Kindle edition

My Smashwords edition







Custom Search


Home

                        Tour Bangkok Legacies Privacy Policy

                      Copyright © 2021 Tour Bangkok Legacies

                                   All rights reserved



Search Tour Bangkok Legacies with DuckDuckGo


Related pages

6 October 1976



14 October 1973

Black May 1992


My second e-book
My Journey through Thailand
Part I The First Steps


My Kindle edition



My Smashwords edition


My first e-book
Tour Bangkok Legacies


My Kindle edition



My Smashwords edition