A list of previous coups in Thailand

Updated Tue. Sep. 19 2006 9:07 PM ET

Associated Press

1971: Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn returns to power and abolishes the constitution and dissolves the parliament.

October 1973: A student-led uprising ousts the "Three Tyrants'' _ Thanom, his son Col. Narong Kittikachorn and his father-in-law Field Marshal Praphas Charusathien _ who ruled Thailand for much of the 1960s and early 1970s. A brief period of democracy ensues.

Oct. 6, 1976: At least 46 student protesters, who were demonstrating against the return of Thanom to Thailand, are killed and hundreds more are wounded by the police and army. A coup installs a new military-guided, right-wing government.

March 26, 1977: The military government thwarts a coup led by Gen. Chalard Hiranyasiri after Chalard and about 300 men seized four government and military buildings.

Oct. 20, 1977: A bloodless military coup, led by Admiral Sangad Chaloryoo, installs Kriangsak Chomanan as prime minister.

April 1, 1981: Factions in the military attempt to overthrow Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda's government.

Sept. 9, 1985: Retired military officers stage a failed coup attempt.

Feb. 23, 1991: Gen. Suchinda Kraprayoon topples the civilian government of Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan in a bloodless takeover.

May 1992: Suchinda is forced from power when troops gun down at least 50 pro-democracy demonstrators in Bangkok. In the aftermath of the violence, his appointed prime minister resigns. King Bhumibol Adulyadej intervenes to end demonstrations, and parliament votes to reduce the power of the military in Thai politics.

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