Democracy Monument and October 14 Monument

Democracy Monument and October 14 Monument Review

One of Bangkok's biggest and best-known landmarks, the Democracy Monument was built after the military overthrew the absolute monarchy in 1932 and the country became a constitutional monarchy. Just to the south of the road that circles the Democracy Monument is the October 14 Monument, honoring Thais killed during the student-led uprising against the military government that started on October 14, 1973. Tributes to those killed in October 1976 and May 1992, in other protests against military rule, are also part of the monument. Although mostly written in Thai, it's a sobering sight, especially so close to the Democracy Monument. Traffic is always whizzing about, the gate is often closed, and there seem to be no regular hours, but there are painting exhibitions at times.