Black May, also known as "Bloody May", was a series of mass protests and subsequent crackdowns by security forces and 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.
Protesters and military 1992
Royal intervention on the night of 20 May. Left to right: Chamlong Srimuang, Suchinda Kraprayoon, and King Bhumibol Adulyadej (seated).
Phreutsapha Prachatham Memorial, dedicated to the lost souls of the event, in Bangkok
Street art memorial near Khaosan Road
The Royal Thai Army or RTA is the army of Thailand and the oldest and largest branch of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.
The Ministry of Defence, Bangkok
General Charoenchai Hinthao in 2024
King's Guard at Grand Palace
Royal Thai Army welcome members of Cobra Gold 2016