Historical Events tagged with "bangkok"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Bombing at Erawan Shrine in Bangkok

August 17th, 2015 9 years ago

A bomb exploded near the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, resulting in at least 19 deaths and injuring over 123 people. The blast occurred in the bustling Ratchaprasong intersection, a popular tourist area known for its luxury hotels and shopping centers, drawing both locals and tourists alike. The bombing targeted a site considered sacred in Thai culture, raising concerns about safety and security in the country. Many victims were foreign tourists, showcasing the attack's broader implications on Thailand’s tourism industry.

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Politics & Government

General Prayut Chan-o-cha Seizes Power in Thailand

May 22nd, 2014 10 years ago

General Prayut Chan-o-cha led a military coup in Thailand following six months of escalating political unrest and protests against the government. The military, amidst claims of restoring order, announced the dissolution of the prime minister's government and imposed martial law across the country. This coup was marked by the arrest of several political leaders and has since changed the political landscape of Thailand. The military's move aimed to quell the chaotic situation, which had seen frequent protests and violent clashes in urban areas, particularly in Bangkok.

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Politics & Government

Crackdown on United Front Leaders by Military

May 19th, 2010 14 years ago

In a significant escalation of conflict in Thailand, the Royal Thai Armed Forces concluded their crackdown on protests by forcibly securing the surrender of leaders from the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship. This operation occurred amidst ongoing tensions in Bangkok, where anti-government protests had been taking place for several months. The military's actions were aimed at restoring order and diminishing the influence of protest leaders during a period of heightened civil unrest.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Nightclub Fire Claims Sixty-six Lives in Bangkok

January 1st, 2009 16 years ago

A devastating fire at the Santika nightclub in Bangkok resulted in the tragic loss of sixty-six lives. The blaze, sparked around 1 a.m. during a New Year's celebration, quickly spread through the crowded venue. Amidst the chaos, many attendees were unable to escape due to blocked exits and the rapid advance of flames. Firefighters responded promptly but faced challenges due to the club's structure and high occupancy. This incident raised urgent questions about fire safety regulations in Thailand.

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Politics & Government

Thai Army Coup Overthrows Government

September 19th, 2006 18 years ago

The Thai army executed a coup, leading to the revocation of the constitution and the declaration of martial law. This military intervention aimed to remove Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from power, citing political unrest and alleged corruption. The coup occurred without significant resistance, demonstrating the military's substantial influence in Thai politics. Soldiers were deployed to key locations in Bangkok, including government offices and media outlets, as they seized control of the country.

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Crime & Law

Arrest of Jemaah Islamiyah Leader Riduan Isamuddin

August 11th, 2003 21 years ago

Riduan Isamuddin, known as Hambali, a key figure in Jemaah Islamiyah, was arrested in Bangkok, Thailand, by Thai authorities. His arrest was part of a broader initiative against terrorism in Southeast Asia following increasing violence linked to Islamist groups. Known for his connections to Al-Qaeda and his role in planning attacks, Hambali's capture was seen as a significant blow to the organization.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Qantas Flight 1 Runway Overrun in Bangkok

September 23rd, 1999 25 years ago

Qantas Flight 1 encountered severe weather while landing in Bangkok, resulting in the aircraft overrunning the runway. The Boeing 747-400 skidded off the wet runway and came to rest on soft ground. Fortunately, minor injuries were reported among passengers and crew, and all were safely evacuated. The incident raised concerns over weather conditions and aircraft safety protocols.

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Economics & Industry

Thailand's Baht Float Initiates Financial Crisis

July 2nd, 1997 27 years ago

The Bank of Thailand announced the floating of the baht, shifting its currency from a fixed exchange rate to a market-based system. This pivotal decision aimed to alleviate pressures from speculative attacks but instead sparked turmoil in financial markets across the region. As investors lost confidence, capital flight ensued, resulting in a steep depreciation of the baht and triggering widespread economic instability that rapidly spread to neighboring countries.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Thai Airways Flight 311 Collides with Mountain

July 31st, 1992 32 years ago

Thai Airways International Flight 311 crashed while approaching Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, killing all 113 people on board. The aircraft, a Boeing 767, encountered severe weather conditions and attempted to land in challenging terrain. The crash occurred just four miles from the airport, attributed to poor visibility and pilot error during the crucial final approach phase.

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