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Today in History: Thích Quang Duc self-immolates protesting Diem’s Buddhist persecution

6/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 11 June 1963, Vietnamese Mahayana monk Thích Quang Duc set himself ablaze at a busy Saigon intersection to protest President Ngô Dình Diem’s anti-Buddhist policies. The dramatic self-immolation was photographed, circulated worldwide, moved President Kennedy, and earned Malcolm Browne the 1963 World Press Photo of the Year.

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Story summary

On 11 June 1963, Vietnamese Mahayana monk Thích Quang Duc set himself ablaze at a busy Saigon intersection to protest President Ngô Dình Diem’s anti-Buddhist policies. The dramatic self-immolation was photographed, circulated worldwide, moved President Kennedy, and earned Malcolm Browne the 1963 World Press Photo of the Year.