The 14 October Memorial: The Multifaceted Meanings of Space on “14 October Heritage” Discourse
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Abstract
This article aims to explore the multi-faceted meanings of space of the 14 October memorial on “14 October Heritage” discourse. The research uses anthropological methods of “fieldwork” as a reading tool to examine the physical space of the 14 October memorial as well as the practicing space of 14 October Foundation through the relationships between people, activities and time. The study shows that the 14 October memorial is the first memorial place in Thailand that valued the loss of people who fought for democracy. Initially, the memorial was designated for supporting “rituals” or activities held on various occasions which help to preserve its original meaning as a m emorial. However, since the place open to the public, it constitutes the processes of “social space” which has been established in various forms and hence creating different meanings under different sets of power relations. Therefore, the result of this study reaffirms that the meaning (values) of space is by no means ‘fixed’; under different circumstances, new meanings emerge, are reproduced and reinvented in multi-faceted ways.
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Interviews
Aey (pseudonym). Former Manager of the 14 October Memorial. Interview, February, 18 2019.
Ake (pseudonym). Collaborators organized by the National Crisis Group. Interview, February 2, 2013.
Jitr (pseudonym). People who have worked with October 14 Foundation and the relatives of the deceased those who attended the events of 14 October 16 and 6 October 19. Interview, February 2, 2013.
Khao (pseudonym). Relatives of heroes who participated in the 46th anniversary event on 14 October. Interview, October, 14 2019.
Kid (pseudonym). Exhibitors organized by the Millennium Institute. Interview, February, 2 2013.
Mai (pseudonym). Board of Directors and Treasurer of 14 October Foundation. Interview, February 13, 2019.
Na (pseudonym). Papaya salad female trader. Interview, February 2, 2019.
Op (pseudonym). Staff at 14 October Foundation’s office. Interview, February 2, 2013 and February 3, 2019.
Pai (pseudonym). Security Guard 14 October Memorial. Interview, January 2, 2019 and January 5, 2019.
Pan (pseudonym). Former campaign official of 14 October Foundation. Interview, January, 31 2019.
Pun (pseudonym). Participants in the 46th anniversary of the 14 October. Interview, October, 14 2019.
Samorn (pseudonym). General tourist. Interview, May 18, 2019.
Sith (pseudonym). Viewers of the exhibition inside the memorial. Interview, June 1, 2019.
Terdkiart Sakdikamduang. The architect who designed the 14 October Memorial. Interview, March 16, 2019.
Tit (pseudonym). Merchant selling books, prints and posters at the 46th anniversary of the 14 October event. Interview, October, 14 2019.
Yai (pseudonym) and daughter. General tourist. Interview, November 24, 2019.
Yui (pseudonym). Lottery merchants. Interview, June, 2 2019.