4 July 1974

Bedlam in Chinatown, Plabplachai riots claim 33 lives

Simmering tensions between Chinese-Thais and police exploded outside Plabplachai Police Station triggering three days of violent confrontation.

Tanks stood in front of ministries as security forces clashed with hundreds of rioters, many allegedly members of China Town’s Eagles and Dragons gangs. Premier Sanya Dharmasakti declared a state of emergency on the second night of rioting. The violence ultimately claimed 33 lives and left 124 wounded as police, border patrol officers and soldiers joined the fray.

The chaos began after a taxi driver was arrested for parking illegally. After the driver resisted arrest and claimed he had been assaulted, a crowd gathered at the police station and set fire to vehicles. Attempting to storm the station, the mob exchanged gunfire with police. Hundreds of marauders on motorcycles also wreaked havoc in the area. Bombs were thrown, pools of petrol set alight, snipers shot from windows, and vehicles were commandeered.

The police and military responded with heavily armed security forces posted across China Town, leading to running battles between them and armed rioters.

4 July 1974

Bedlam in Chinatown, Plabplachai riots claim 33 lives

Simmering tensions between Chinese-Thais and police exploded outside Plabplachai Police Station triggering three days of violent confrontation.

Tanks stood in front of ministries as security forces clashed with hundreds of rioters, many allegedly members of China Town’s Eagles and Dragons gangs. Premier Sanya Dharmasakti declared a state of emergency on the second night of rioting. The violence ultimately claimed 33 lives and left 124 wounded as police, border patrol officers and soldiers joined the fray.

The chaos began after a taxi driver was arrested for parking illegally. After the driver resisted arrest and claimed he had been assaulted, a crowd gathered at the police station and set fire to vehicles. Attempting to storm the station, the mob exchanged gunfire with police. Hundreds of marauders on motorcycles also wreaked havoc in the area. Bombs were thrown, pools of petrol set alight, snipers shot from windows, and vehicles were commandeered.

The police and military responded with heavily armed security forces posted across China Town, leading to running battles between them and armed rioters.