Bloody May

Excessive Use of Lethal Force in Bangkok

One year after a bloodless coup toppled Thailand’s government and the military took control, protestors staged a rally and demanded freedom. The government responded with violence. This report reveals the truth behind allegations of excessive force and violations of medical neutrality during the events of May 17-20, 1992.

By early May 1992, hundreds of thousands of protestors were marching in Bangkok, demanding the ouster of General Suchinda Kraprayoon who had declared himself prime minister despite repeated promises to the contrary. On May 17, after talks between the government and opposition parties concerning constitutional amendments broke down, the opposition called a new rally. This time, Thai security forces responded with force and deliberately opened fire on the demonstrators.
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