Faces of sacrifice

Is the appointed Senate integral to a regime of democracy? Should students enjoy the right not to wear uniforms? How about freedom of speech? Or assembly? At what point should fair criticism be taken as an insult to be punished by law, and when will street protests come to an end?

As Thailand struggles to regain political stability with a newly elected government in place following decades-long political conflict, questions about the role of democracy and individual rights loom large.

With the 50th anniversary of the Oct 14, 1973, popular uprising tomorrow, independent journalist Nualnoi Thammasathien thinks it is an opportune time to reflect on the historic event, which is considered a turning point towards democracy in Thailand.

“As a journalist, I have always been attuned to the passage of time, and 50 years — half-a-century — serves as a poignant milestone. The…