In the spring of 1963, tensions in South Vietnam reached a boiling point as the government of President Ngo Dinh Diem, a Roman Catholic in a predominantly Buddhist country, enforced policies that many Buddhists perceived as discriminatory. On Vesak, a significant day in the Buddhist calendar, Buddhists attempted to fly their religious flag in protest against the regime's restrictions. The government had placed a ban on the use of the Buddhist flag, which was not only a religious symbol but also a point of cultural pride for the Buddhist community.

During the peaceful demonstration, South Vietnamese soldiers were ordered to disperse the crowd. In a shocking turn of events, the soldiers opened fire on the protesters, leading to the deaths of nine individuals. This violent response highlighted the growing divide between the Diem administration and the Buddhist population, who were increasingly discontented with the government's policies and actions. The incident sparked widespread protests across the country and intensified the Buddhist Crisis, which would see escalating civil disobedience and demands for greater religious freedom.

The government’s handling of the situation only deepened public outrage, leading to an increasing number of protests, sit-ins, and self-immolation by Buddhist monks. The incident marked a pivotal moment in South Vietnam's history, as it underscored both the religious and political tensions that were bubbling beneath the surface and foreshadowed the escalating conflict in the region.