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| 1970, Aug. 18 |
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| The Thai government notified the U.S. of its intention to withdraw its 11,000-man contingent from South Vietnam, in consonance with the U.S. policy of withdrawal. | 1 |
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| 1971 |
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| Thanom reimposed military rule in response to fears regarding the first signs of American withdrawal from Vietnam. | 2 |
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| 1973, Oct |
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| Student unrest and violent mass demonstrations protested the lack of an elected government, forcing Thanom to flee. A civilian government was formed. | 3 |
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| 1973–76 |
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| In this period of turbulent civilian rule, various coalition governments succeeded one another; since 1932, Thai politics had been dominated by the military and the bureaucrats. Groups of Thai professionals, intellectuals, students, and workers struggled to establish a new political order during an era of radical worldwide change that was prompted by a slump in commodity prices, a world oil crisis, and the Communist victories in Indochina. | 4 |
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| 1975 |
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| Having common frontiers with Cambodia and Laos, Thailand was the country most affected by the Communist victories, especially in regard to the thousands of refugees who fled into Thailand. | 5 |
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| Dec |
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| Thailand closed its borders for a time because of clashes with Lao Communists on the Mekong River. | 6 |
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