1973 Thai popular uprising

14 October uprising
Thousands of students gather at Ratchadamnoen Avenue, 1973
Date9 October 1973 (1973-10-09) – 15 October 1973 (1973-10-15)
(6 days)
Location
Bangkok

Ratchadamnoen Avenue
Caused by
Goals
  • End of the Thanom military regime
  • Drafting of the new permanent constitution
MethodsSit-ins, occupation of public avenues, protest march
Resulted in
Parties
The National Student Center of Thailand
Lead figures
Number
500,000
Casualties
Death(s)77
Injuries857
DamageBuildings near Ratchadamnoen Avenue were set on fire

The popular uprising of 14 October 1973 (Thai: เหตุการณ์ 14 ตุลา, RTGSHetkan Sip-Si Tula, lit.'October 14 Event'; also วันมหาวิปโยค, RTGS: Wan Maha Wippayok, lit.'Day of Great Sorrow'[1]) was a watershed event in Thailand's history. The uprising resulted in the end of the ruling military dictatorship of anti-communist Thanom Kittikachorn and altered the Thai political system. Notably, it highlighted the growing influence of Thai university students in politics.

  1. ^ Suwannathat-Pian, Kobkua (2003), Kings, Country and Constitutions: Thailand's Political Development 1932–2000, RoutledgeCurzon, p. 169