Thai King gives amnesty to those in coup attempt

May 6, 1981

King Bhumibol Adulyadej granted an amnesty to military officers and civilians who took part in a coup attempt last month and then surrendered to loyal Thai government forces. An official announcement said the amnesty, granted because the surrender led to a quick and peaceful resolution of the crisis, would not be granted to those who refused to give themselves up within a deadline set by the premier.

The amnesty will also not apply to plotters still in hiding or to Gen. Sant Chitpatima, the Army's deputy chief who led the brief rebellion then fled into political asylum in Burma.