The democratically elected prime minister Seni Pramoj was toppled by a military coup led by Admiral Sangad Chaloryu; then two days later, King Bhumibol Adulyadej appointed his favourite, Thanin, to be interim prime minister.
After the Thammasat University massacre of 6 October 1976, the democratically elected prime minister Seni Pramoj was toppled by a military coup led by Admiral Sangad Chaloryu. Two days later, King Bhumibol Adulyadej appointed his favourite, Thanin, to be interim prime minister. 
