On October 14, 2023, Dr. Wichai Chokwiwatana, Chairman of the 14 October Foundation, presided over the award ceremony for the short story and poetry competition on the 50th anniversary of 14 October, “14 October, the Spirit of Democracy,” with “Charan Hom. Thienthong” Strategy Committee Member national soft power Former president of the Publishers Association, “Nareepob Jiraphothirat”, President of the Writers’ Association of Thailand, “Suwich Rungwattanapaiboon”, President of the Publishers Association, “Jane Songsomphan”, former president of the Writers Association, and “Praderm Damrongcharoen”, Chairman of the Literature Department 50 Years 14, along with writers, poets, members of the literary circle, the media, and interested citizens, attended the event at the 50 Years 14 October exhibition “What Color Do You Dream About?” in front of the National Book Fair 2023, which was held. Between 12-23 October 2023 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok.
Dr. Wichai Chokwiwatana, Chairman of the 14 October Foundation, said 14 October is one of the most important moments in the history of the Thai nation. After 50 years have passed, the generation born on 14 October has experienced various events. At present he has entered old age. Many new generations will not have the opportunity to know those stories. 50 years is therefore an important milestone that must be commemorated. in order to pass on the ideology to the next generation Because democracy in Thailand is still faltering. Like many A country in the world that takes time and struggle to create a society. Therefore, it is necessary to hold an event on this occasion so that the current generation can take over the baton from the older generation. If we wait to organize it at the 60th anniversary, the old generation may have passed away or been forgotten for 50 years, so this is considered an appropriate time.
Dr. Wichai further said that selecting literature is one of the activities of the 50th anniversary of 14 October because literature makes humans different from animals. It can be used as a tool to shape ideology. stir up battle and soothe the pain Including creating many different powers, literature plays a role in every era, every society.
As a small private sector unit Therefore, unable to organize a contest for large works such as books or novels, therefore, a contest for “short stories” and “poems” was organized in cooperation with the Writers’ Association of Thailand. Poetry Association of Thailand and the Language and Book Association of Thailand under royal patronage Including national artist Silpathorn, writer and novelist, joining the committee to set the rules. There were quite a number of people interested in submitting their work to participate in the contest. and the decision was completed at the end of September.
“Currently, technology has advanced, making it possible to compile all award-winning works into a book specially published for this occasion. By the specialness of this book There is a paragraph from a song that is still being sung after the October 14 incident. is the song of the yellow bird which has a golden paragraph “What color world do you dream of?” and this golden phrase was used as the title of the exhibition and the title of the book. Commemorative coins were presented on the day of the Royal Cremation of Heroes, 14 October, which was the first time that the cremation of a common Thai citizen was held at Sanam Luang. Because it was normally a place reserved for high-ranking royal families only. In the printing of the book, the commemorative coin was reworked, divided into 2 parts, front and back. One part is on the front cover of the book. And the other part is on the back cover of the book. and sold at this event You can inquire at the 50th anniversary exhibition booth on 14 October,” said Dr. Wichai.
In this regard, the results of the short story and poetry competition on the 50th anniversary of 14 October, “14 October, the Spirit of Democracy”, have received awards as follows:
short story type
The winning short story is “Sonklin” by Siriphong Nookaew.
Second runner-up for 2 awards: Once upon a time…in Thailand by Sakorn Poolsuk and Moon in the Khao Khat Pass by Saroj Saesung.
Ten honorable mention awards as follows:
Capturing the emptiness in mid-October by Kittisak Kongka
Urban art by Chom Nuanmusik
Shingles by Pinpipat Srithawee
Floating Symbols by Winthakarn
66 years of history and 8 minutes when memories are mute by Siri Maliyam
Where are you? by Rosaline
Just an erotic scene by Heem Parapipat
Between, by, the second waning moon of the month of Sarapi the Dragon.
older sister brother Some stories are not suitable for short stories by Santisuk Kanchanaprakorn
Autobiography of a short story by Chakrit Khamphilanon
Poetry type
The winning poem is Fifty Years Later by Gita Baraddaya.
Two runners-up: Until the Sky Is Golden by Atsadawut Chaiyawan and Post Office Box No. 2516 by Ong-at Singsuwan.
There are 10 honorable mention awards as follows:
14 October by Jamree Tanpaithunditthi
Remembering the first bird that died (To Jira Bunmak) by Atirut Duere
History Never Told Us By Jiranan Songpea
Fifty years, fourteen October Shattered..a blurred image by Khob Khinn
EXHIBITION The exhibition never changes by Seth Bunwiriya.
Memorial of the Cemetery by Phuwadon Phuyohat
Roots of October by Mr. Thiwa
Today, every hand is a free hand by Prin Sapanya
Ripple (Movement in the Shadow of History) by Metawee Kankaew
Demon by Dittjarat
