Thammasat University Massacre and Military Coup

October 6th, 1976

October 6th, 1976

Thammasat University Massacre and Military Coup
How Long Ago?

48 years, 5 months, 9 days ago

Location

Bangkok, Thailand

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Seni Pramoj
  • Sangad Chaloryu
  • Taksin Shinawatra
Links & References
Tags

Thammasat University Massacre and Military Coup

In a violent confrontation at Thammasat University, dozens were killed by Thai police and right-wing paramilitaries in a backlash against student protests. Following the massacre, the Seni Pramoj government was overthrown in a military coup led by General Sangad Chaloryu. The event marked a significant turning point in Thailand’s political landscape.

Dozens were killed by police and paramilitaries.

Targeted student protests against military rule.

Event led to a military coup in Thailand.

Signified a shift in political dynamics.

What Happened?

The Thammasat University massacre took place during a period of heightened political tension in Thailand, where student protests were increasingly common due to dissatisfaction with the government. On October 6, right-wing paramilitaries, with the tacit support of the police, violently suppressed a student gathering aimed at expressing opposition to the return of former dictator Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat’s allies to power. As the situation escalated, hundreds of students were present at Thammasat University, which had become a hub for dissent against military rule. The police, armed with tear gas and live ammunition, engaged in a brutal crackdown that resulted in the deaths of dozens, although exact numbers remain disputed. Bodies were displayed in the streets, and many students faced severe violence as they sought refuge from the onslaught.

In the aftermath of the massacre, public outrage grew against the Seni Pramoj-led government, perceived as complicit or ineffective in preventing the violence. General Sangad Chaloryu mobilized military forces and staged a coup, successfully ousting the government, which marked a notable shift in Thailand's political dynamics. The new military leadership sought to restore order and eliminate political dissent, ushering in a period of increased repression against perceived leftist elements within the society. The events brought deep divisions within Thai society and continued unrest from student groups and other factions opposing military rule.

Why Does it Matter?

The Thammasat University massacre is significant as it represented a pivotal moment in Thai history, showcasing the brutal lengths to which authorities would go to silence opposition. The coup that followed established military rule that would influence Thailand's politics for decades, and the tragedy is often revisited in discussions of civil rights and political expression in the country. It serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by activists in repressive regimes.

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