BANGKOK — 1976 · Major Tragedy

The 6 October 1976 Thammasat University Massacre

ClosedSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

On the morning of 6 October 1976 police and right-wing paramilitary groups attacked thousands of students and activists at Bangkok's Thammasat University who were protesting the return of a former military dictator. The campus was under fire for hours; those trying to flee were also attacked at the adjacent Sanam Luang square. Officially 46 people were killed and 167 wounded, but witnesses and researchers argue the real death toll was much higher, possibly over a hundred. Thousands were detained. That evening the military seized power in a coup. Because of amnesty laws passed in 1976 and 1978, no one responsible for the violence was ever prosecuted. For many years it remained a trauma that could not be openly discussed in Thailand.

Date: 1976
Place: Phra Nakhon, Thailand, Bangkok, TH
Category: Major Tragedy
Case Status: Closed
Coordinates: 13.7568, 100.4908 ↗

Timeline of Events

September 1976The return of a former military leader sparked student protests.
6 October 1976Police and paramilitaries attacked Thammasat University; officially 46 died.

6 October 1976A military coup took place that evening.
1976-1978Amnesty laws meant those responsible were never tried.

Sources

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