17 May 1992

Troops fire on unarmed protesters

Days of bloody confrontations were sparked when on government orders, soldiers fired on a peaceful gathering of protesters at 10.30pm, leaving scores dead or wounded.

The clash took place near the Public Relations Department (PRD). Protesters had for weeks been fighting against the appointment of 1991 coup leader Suchinda Krapayoon as prime minister.

In the following days, the capital was consumed in chaos with troops and protesters locked in turf battles. Buildings (including the PRD) were burned down and hundreds of protesters, including protest leader Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang, were arrested. Dozens were feared killed at the main protest site and more than 300 were injured when troops also opened fire on protesters near the Royal Hotel and Democracy Monument.

On May 20, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej summoned Gen Suchinda and Maj Gen Chamlong to Chitralada Palace where he ordered them to end the clashes and find a compromise. The solemn meeting was videotaped, and broadcast shortly after midnight. Five days later Suchinda resigned. Deputy Prime Minister Meechai Ruchupan became acting prime minister, soon to be replaced by Anand Panyarachun. Jailed protesters were freed and the government passed an amendment to the constitution requiring the prime minister be an elected official.

17 May 1992

Troops fire on unarmed protesters

Days of bloody confrontations were sparked when on government orders, soldiers fired on a peaceful gathering of protesters at 10.30pm, leaving scores dead or wounded.

The clash took place near the Public Relations Department (PRD). Protesters had for weeks been fighting against the appointment of 1991 coup leader Suchinda Krapayoon as prime minister.

In the following days, the capital was consumed in chaos with troops and protesters locked in turf battles. Buildings (including the PRD) were burned down and hundreds of protesters, including protest leader Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang, were arrested. Dozens were feared killed at the main protest site and more than 300 were injured when troops also opened fire on protesters near the Royal Hotel and Democracy Monument.

On May 20, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej summoned Gen Suchinda and Maj Gen Chamlong to Chitralada Palace where he ordered them to end the clashes and find a compromise. The solemn meeting was videotaped, and broadcast shortly after midnight. Five days later Suchinda resigned. Deputy Prime Minister Meechai Ruchupan became acting prime minister, soon to be replaced by Anand Panyarachun. Jailed protesters were freed and the government passed an amendment to the constitution requiring the prime minister be an elected official.