Historical Background
Since the overthrow of the Siam monarchy in 1932, the Thai military has dominated Thailand's unstable government. On October 14, 1973, more than one hundred students protesting military rule at Thammasat University were killed by government forces, resulting in the appointment of a prime minister and a brief period of parliamentary democracy. In October 1976, the military forcefully regained control of the government, polarizing the country politically and strengthening the Thai democratic movement which protested elitist military rule, U.S. government and military involvement in Thailand, and human rights violations.
From the guide to the Publications on the Thai democracy movement, 1976-1979, (University of California, Irvine. Library. Special Collections and Archives.)
