This is the story that the Thai people doesn’t want you to know.

The story of the “Red Lift” at Thammasat University refers to an event that occurred on October 14, 1973, when soldiers entered the university and students sought refuge in one of the university’s elevators. The soldiers then opened fire on the students, killing everyone inside. Blood was said to have spread throughout the elevator.

Thammasat University cleaned up after the incident, including the elevator where the massacre occurred. Despite their efforts, however, the blood stains could not be removed. As a result, the university painted the elevator red in order to honor the victims of the tragedy. It’s a way to remember the tragic event while also emphasizing the importance of peace and human rights.

It is said that after the elevator was put back into use, a female student claimed to have seen the ghost of a student killed in the massacre inside the elevator. This, along with other reported sightings by students, faculty, and staff, prompted the university to replace the elevator. However, the door of the red elevator was preserved and is currently on display on the fourth floor of the Faculty of Arts building at Thammasat University as a reminder of the tragic event. This door has been kept there till now as a historical evidence.