Skip navigation

Member Voices | What happened in Thailand's Thammasat Massacre

October 6, 1976, was a dark day in Thailand's history. Peaceful protesters fighting for democracy were lynched and shot dead by the Thai state forces. The protest happened at a time when Thailand was experiencing a democratic transition from absolute monarchy to democracy.

The change was not smooth at all. Here are some key facts you need to know about Thammasat Massacre, brought to you by our member Peerada from Thailand.


What was the backdrop of the protest?

Back in those days, Thailand changed its rule from absolute monarchy to democracy. The change wasn't smooth since many elite groups, for example, the monarchs, aristocrats, still wanted to remain in power. Hence, the country ended up being caught under constant coups and having military leaders as PMs.

(Photo: Bangkok post)

What triggered the protest?

The return of the military dictator Thanom Kittikachorn triggered the protest. Thanom was a Prime Minister in Thailand from 1963-73. He fled the country after a student uprising in 1973.

However, in 1976, he returned to Thailand. He said he came back to mourn his father, but suspicious were growing that he was trying to seize power, which sparked the protest.

Thanom Kittikachorn

Tell us more about the protest

Students and workers began protesting against the return of Thanom. The protesters mainly gathered at the Thammasat University, Bangkok, to rally.

Mysterious attacks targeting protesters began. Men deemed to be protestors were lynched. Evidence later showed that police forces were behind the assault.

On the dawn of October 6, 1976: police and military forces used war-grade weapons and opened fire at protesters in the Thammasat University. Protesters, many of whom were students, were stripped down to their undergarments, lynched, and sexually assaulted.

Meanwhile, the protesters were framed as communists threatening the Thai monarchy. This propaganda triggered right-winged groups to join forces with the police to attack the protesters.

The official count of casualties from this event is around 40, but it is believed that the actual death is even higher, possibly up to hundreds.

Continue Reading

Read More

On Iran, Israel & Palestine

June 13, 2025

Israel attacked Iran illegally, to divert attention from the genocide and potentially stop a nuclear deal with the US. Recap of what happened: Israel launched a wave of strikes against Iranian military and nuclear sites, and residential areas Iran said Israel “must expect severe...

Read more

🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT: New Global AI Control Policies Approved by Atlas Members

May 23, 2025

We just took a major step forward in the fight to control artificial intelligence before it controls us. On May 11, our members approved three groundbreaking new AI policies. These are now officially part of the Atlas Survival Bill, our political platform for the...

Read more

Be the first to comment

Please check your e-mail for a link to activate your account.

📩 Subscribe to our Newsletter