Black May (1992)

Quick Facts: Who was Black May (1992)?

Subject:

Black May (1992)

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Mass protests in Bangkok leading to violent crackdowns by the Thai military and police in May 1992.

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Origins & Early Life

Black May (Thai: พฤษภาทมิฬ; RTGS: Phruetsapha Thamin), also known as "Bloody May", was a series of mass protests and subsequent crackdowns by the Thai military and royal police in Bangkok in May 1992. A rally of over 200,000 people led by Chamlong Srimuang was held on 17 May, caused by the extending of the military regime of Suchinda Kraprayoon, the 1991 Thai coup d'état leader. An estimated 52 to 100 protesters were killed, 696 were injured, and 175 had "disappeared" afterwards. King Bhumibol Adulyadej summoned both Chamlong and Suchinda on 20 May, and the Suchinda regime later received a sweeping amnesty along with other law reforms, signed by Bhumibol. After military strongman Prem Tinsulanonda stepped down in 1988, Thai military leaders from different Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School (AFAPS) classes began to get involved in Thai politics instead.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1990, amid the conflicts between AFAPS classmates and the elected government of Chatichai Choonhavan, AFAPS Class 1 leader Chavalit Yongchaiyudh launched his own party, AFAPS Class 7 leader Chamlong Srimuang became the Governor of Bangkok, and AFAPS Class 5 leaders staged the 1991 Thai coup d'état. The coup-makers of Class 5, who called themselves the National Peace Keeping Council (NPKC), appointed Anand Panyarachun as prime minister. The NPKC desired to dominate Thai politics as it established Samakkhi Tham Party (STP) in April 1991. One of the founders, Thiti Nakornthap, was close to Kaset Rojananil and Suchinda Kraprayoon. STP supported Suchinda as the next prime minister, and had strong support and backing from a group of powerful financiers within the party.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In May 1991, martial law and restrictions on civil rights were lifted. On 18 November 1991, Suchinda announced to the public that he was withdrawing from politics. In 1992, Anand's interim government promulgated a new constitution and scheduled March 1992 Thai general election. STP won the most seats and formed a government coalition totalling 55% of the lower house. Narong Wongwan, STP leader, was designated prime minister, when media alleged that the United States had refused him entry admission due to the suspection of involvement in drug trafficking.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1988: 1988 Milestone — After military strongman Prem Tinsulanonda stepped down in 1988, Thai military leaders from different Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School (AFAPS) classes began to get involved in Thai politics instead.
2. 1990: 1990 Milestone — In 1990, amid the conflicts between AFAPS classmates and the elected government of Chatichai Choonhavan, AFAPS Class 1 leader Chavalit Yongchaiyudh launched his own party, AFAPS Class 7 leader Chamlong Srimuang became the Governor of Bangkok, and AFAPS Class 5 leaders staged the 1991 Thai coup d'état.
3. 1991: 1991 Milestone — A rally of over 200,000 people led by Chamlong Srimuang was held on 17 May, caused by the extending of the military regime of Suchinda Kraprayoon, the 1991 Thai coup d'état leader.
4. 1992: 1992 Milestone — Black May (Thai: พฤษภาทมิฬ; RTGS: Phruetsapha Thamin), also known as "Bloody May", was a series of mass protests and subsequent crackdowns by the Thai military and royal police in Bangkok in May 1992.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Black May (1992)

True or False: “The initial protest on May 17, 1992, was primarily organized by the military establishment to challenge civilian rule.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The protests were led by opposition figures like Chamlong Srimuang and involved major political parties and student groups demanding Suchinda Kraprayoon's resignation.

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