Issue and Opponent: In 1971, the Thanom government launched another coup to restore authoritative rule in Thailand. They dissolved the national legislature, threw out the 1968 constitution, and proclaimed martial law. Prime Minister Thanom drafted a new constitution in 1972 that gave him and his National Executive Council full power. He promised to return the country to democracy once the threat of communism was defeated. Thus, the students organized the National Student Center of Thailand (NSCT) in 1972 to campaign against the Thanom regime.
Dilemma Action: The NSCT began its campaign by targeting Japanese goods. The students planned a 10-day boycott of Japanese goods. They distributed leaflets that accused Japanese corporations in Thailand of evading taxes and bribing Thai customs officials. They targeted stores that sold more Japanese products than Thai ones, Japanese airlines, and Japanese restaurants.
Outcomes: This was successful in receiving support from the Thai general population and government response. The Thai government eventually issued an executive decree which imposed strict regulations on foreign corporations. These were aimed at 170 Japanese corporations that were found in Thailand. Within the month, Japan yielded to Thailand. It also increased confidence in the group to protest against their own government’s policies.