Chalard was executed one month later without trial, in retaliation of the killing of Arun Thavathasin, close friend of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

His death has been called "...sudden and strange..."[1] Tensions were building within the military as different factions fought their way to powerful positions, seeking larger roles in politics.

[2] Sangad Chaloryu staged a coup on the 6 October 1976 after the massacre in Thammasat University, which followed political turmoil caused by the return of ex-dictator Thanom Kittikachorn to the country, having gone into exile after the 1973 Thai popular uprising.

Chalard refused to report for duty to Sangad's military junta; he was dismissed on 10 October through announcement in the public radio.

Chalard then entered the monkhood in a Bangkok Buddhist temple for five months, stated that he wanted to control himself, his monk name was "Sirihiranyo."

[2] Before dawn on 26 March 1977, Chalard Hiranyasiri, four middle-level army officers, and 300 army personnel from 9th Infantry Division in Kanchanaburi province led by Chalard's son, Asawin Hiranyasiri,[4] seized the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) building, the Radio Thailand station, and three small military stations in Bangkok.

[4] The government of Thanin announced that the coup leaders would be granted exile abroad if they release the two army general hostages, but the Defence Minister explained after that they had to be tried by the military court.

The rebels held ISCO building until after dark, by which Chalard had negotiated their exile with Serm Na Nakorn.