The Democracy Monument as a Symbol of Democracy in the 2023 Thai General Election
Keywords:
Democracy, Thai Democracy, Democracy Monument, 2023 Thai General ElectionAbstract
The Democracy Monument in Bangkok has already been a longstanding symbol of democracy for the Thai people. Aside from being a symbol and spatial structure at the heart of Ratchadamnoen Avenue, this monument also served as a repository of historical events and a platform for contentious politics. Due to spatial agencies, those bodies with the capacity to shape and reshape their built environment, the meaning of the Democracy Monument has transformed into complex layers through time. The monument recently became a symbolic site and emblem for the political parties' campaign during the 2023 Thai General Election. Based on this premise, this paper interprets the democracy the parties promised and unpacks the monument's significance in the recent historic election. By analyzing multiple news articles and social media posts documenting the campaign trail and through personal observations of the author, this work looks at how the political parties defined Thai democracy through the lens of the Democracy Monument. Through their occupation of the monument, this study reveals their constructed representation of the Democracy Monument and the kind of democracy they adhere to. Undeniably, the Democracy Monument is central to Thailand's struggle for democracy and continues to be a potent space for those seeking a fully democratic society. Understanding the political parties' concept of democracy through their use of the Democracy Monument and the vivid imagery they left in the structure during their respective campaigns contributes to the democracy discourse, promotes accountability, and allows the people to remember their promises of democracy.
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