These pictures of THAILAND were taken between 1974 and 1977, mainly in Bangkok but also in the north and south of the country.

 

They are followed by pictures of LAOS.

 

For pictures of other subjects, see: www.flickr.com/photos/152942205@N04

 

Some of the pictures of THAILAND refer to contemporary events:

 

Student-led demonstrations ended 25 years of military rule on October 14, 1973. One year later, the remains of 65 people killed during the demonstrations were cremated in a ceremony presided over by the king and queen.

 

In 1974, a riot broke out in Bangkok's Chinatown district and was suppressed by the police.

 

As left-wing students, workers and farmers agitated for reform, right-wing forces opposed them, sometimes violently. Among others, the Socialist Party leader, Boonsanong Pudyodyana, was murdered.

 

One of the main grievances was the US military presence in Thailand, including bases used to wage war in neighbouring Indochina (until the war ended in 1975).

 

In 1976, the government ordered the US to withdraw most of its forces from Thailand.

 

The military again seized power in a violent coup d'etat on October 6, 1976.

 

The photographs can be reproduced free of charge. Please credit the photographer: Norman Peagam

  

The pictures of LAOS were taken between 1973 and 1977, mainly in and around Vientiane.

 

The war in Laos ended in 1974 with the formation of a coalition government and the arrival in Vientiane of Pathet Lao leaders, including Kaysone Phomvihane and Prince Souphanouvong. Some pictures show Souphanouvong arriving at Vientiane airport, to be greeted by his half-brother Prince Souvanna Phouma (who was then prime minister). The communist Pathet Lao took over the government in 1975.

 

The photographs can be reproduced free of charge. Please credit the photographer: Norman Peagam