Landing page banner
Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) (Retired) Thambiah Letchamanan served in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for 35 years, starting as an Inspector in 1953. His career placed him in the heart of key moments in Singapore’s history, from the Hock Lee bus riots and Chinese middle school unrest of the 1950s to the 1964 communal riots; the Spyros disaster of 1978 and the Hotel New World collapse in 1986 – times when public order and safety were tested.
Stepping Up in a Time of Tension
One of the defining episodes of DAC (Ret) Thambiah’s service came in 1964 when communal tensions between the Malay and Chinese communities in Singapore (then part of Malaysia) erupted into violence.
On 21 July 1964, a religious procession sparked riots that spread rapidly across the island. The entire Force was activated and an island-wide curfew imposed. Then posted to Beach Road Police Station, 34-year-old DAC (Ret) Thambiah was on leave that day, but was called back to serve. With his supervisors already deployed to Geylang Serai, he was the only Senior Routine Inspector left to assume command. Moments later, reports arrived of another riot at Queen Street.
“Back then, Raffles Girls’ School was located at Queen Street... The girls had just ended school and were stuck in the middle of hundreds of people fighting,” he recalled.
Acting swiftly, DAC (Ret) Thambiah contacted the armed forces for trucks to transport the girls safely home and transformed Beach Road Police Station into a temporary shelter. He also arranged for the now-closed Satay Club to provide food for the stranded students and residents.
DAC (Ret) Thambiah also deployed officers to protect the Baweanese settlement at Crawford Street. As a distinct subgroup within Singapore’s Malay population, the Baweanese – colloquially known as the Boyanese – were at risk of retaliation from Chinese rioters. “The Boyanese people were the minority in an area populated by the Chinese. It was our responsibility to make sure that they were protected,” he said.
Keeping the Peace When Trust was Fragile
His handling of the 1964 riots, which lasted nearly two weeks, impressed his superiors, and he was soon promoted to Acting Deputy Superintendent of Beach Road Police Station.
In the wake of the unrest, Singapore needed not only public safety but also a spirit of reconciliation. In his new posting, DAC (Ret) Thambiah oversaw the establishment of three Police posts in areas with heightened inter-ethnic tensions, such as Gammon Road and Jalan Senang, to help stabilise relations between Malay and Chinese communities. He encouraged residents to set aside their differences and support one another should violence erupt again.
At the Frontline of National Crises
In the years that followed, DAC (Ret) Thambiah stepped forward during other national emergencies. On 12 October 1978, the Greek oil tanker Spyros exploded at Jurong Shipyard, killing 76 people and injuring 69. With the Assistant Commissioner of Police on leave, he assumed charge as Acting Commander (Detachment).
DAC (Ret) Thambiah oversaw the evacuation of the injured, coordinated inter-departmental rescue operations through a central communications centre and managed intense scrutiny from both the public and the press.
“I was there for the entire period of the rescue efforts to make sure everything was under control... and, most importantly, to ensure that the people who were trapped inside the ship got home safe,” he said.
His role in the 1964 communal riots and the 1978 Spyros disaster reflects a broader pattern throughout DAC (Ret) Thambiah’s career, demonstrating how he helped maintain public order and save lives through some of Singapore’s most challenging moments.
Reflecting on his experience as an officer, he remarked, “One thing I’ve learned from all those years is to always stay alert and never take peace for granted.”
Even after his retirement in 1988, his commitment remained clear: “If I was born again, I’d join the SPF.”
Oral History Interview Series
Our officers have incredibly interesting careers, and for the past decade, our team has been meeting retired officers of all ranks to uncover their stories and learn from them. Through these sessions, we built a rapport and deeper respect for the men and women who overcame challenges to keep Singapore safe. We hope this series will inspire officers in their service and carry on the legacy of those who have gone before them. – Metta Yang, Head, Heritage and Social Responsibility Branch, Public Affairs Department
