Survivors gather to honor 1976 Thai massacre victims

By Arun Saronchai

BANGKOK (AA) - Survivors of a massacre at a Thai university gathered alongside students in downtown Bangkok on Thursday to mark the 40th anniversary of one of the most traumatic events in the country's contemporary history.

On Oct. 6, 1976, around 100 students at Thammasat University accused of being Communists were lynched, burnt alive and shot by right-wing militias, spurred on by chanting and smiling countrymen.

Thursday's sombre ceremony was held at Thammasat, with survivors recounting their experiences of what happened and laying wreaths at the memorial.

"It's important that we try to keep the memory alive," Krisadang Nutcharut, a survivor and human rights lawyers told Anadolu Agency

"We must ensure that nothing like this ever happens again."

Krisadang was one of the thousands of students who gathered Oct. 6 in a peaceful demonstration that they say was simply against military rule.

Thailand is currently ruled by a military junta, which overthrew the democratically elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra in 2014.

"Things haven't really changed," he said.