Thongchai was a student organizer and political activist while still in high school . He became even more involved in pro-democracy movements while in his first two years as an undergraduate at Thammasat University in Bangkok . Student and labor organizing had blossomed during and after the popular uprising of 14 October 1973 . But following the return of disempowered military dictator Thanom Kittikachorn and the resignation of Prime Minister Seni Pramoj , Thongchai and other student leaders organized a fresh wave of protests centered at Thammasat University . These culminated in a large rally that grew through the night of 5 October 1976 . The next morning , 6 October , the Thai military surrounded the Thammasat campus and attacked the students in what has been described as the " Thammasat University massacre " in which at least 46 people were killed , some even being raped , hung , or burned to death . Many students escaped . Thousands of students were arrested , though 19 were eventually imprisoned , including Thongchai . Various organizations , including Amnesty International , advocated for his release as a prisoner of conscience . He was released on 16 September 1978 and allowed to return to finish his education at Thammasat on the condition that he was not involved in further political activities . He later went to Sydney , Australia , for his graduate education
Thammasat University massacre
Thammasat University massacre
Thongchai Winichakul