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| 1977, Oct |
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| Gen. Kriangsak took over direct control of the government, calling for strong regional cooperation. Although military rule dominated Thailand until 1988, it was less autocratic than in the days of Phibun, Sarit, and Thanom. | 1 |
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| 1988, July |
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| Civilian rule returned to Thailand under the elected prime minister, Chatichai Choonhavan, although the Thai army remained in a strong position. Economic development became the first priority, but the civilian government lasted for only 18 months. | 2 |
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| 1990 |
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| Thailand was experiencing steady economic growth. Negative side effects of the rapid transition to an industrial economy included rampant property speculation, urban crowding, rapid deterioration of the environment, and a clash between long- versus short-term priorities of resource users. | 3 |
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| 1991, Feb. 23 |
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| A military coup ended parliamentary democracy. Despite tensions between Prime Minister Gen. Chatichai and the military, the coup surprised observers. Unlike previous coups, no large-scale protests emerged. | 4 |
| Constitution. Military leaders prepared new constitution, designed to secure their position of dominance in government. | 5 |
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| March 2 |
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| Military leaders named Anand Panyarachun, a distinguished civilian leader, as prime minister. | 6 |
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| Oct. 23 |
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| Four fighting factions involved in the Indochinese disputes finally signed a peace treaty. | 7 |
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