The ensuing chaos was used as a pretext for a military coup , which Bhumibol backed and described as a manifestation of the people 's will . The event that catalyzed the coup was the Thammasat University massacre , carried out in the name of defending Bhumibol 's throne . The victorious military junta submitted three names to the king as possible premiers : Deputy President of the king 's Privy Council Prakob Hutasingh , right-wing Bangkok Governor Thamnoon Thien-ngern , and staunchly anti-communist Supreme Court judge Thanin Kraivichien . Thanin was a member of the Nawaphon monarchist paramilitary group , which had the backing of the CIA , and which Bhumibol was alleged to have sponsored . Bhumibol chose Thanin as the most suitable premier , leading student protesters to flee to join the communists in the jungle . Thanin was overthrown in a military coup in October 1977 led by General Kriangsak Chamanan
Thammasat University massacre
Thammasat University massacre
Bhumibol Adulyadej