Attempts to synthesise thiazolo[3,4-a]pyridinium salts (3) and isothiazolo[2,3-a]pyridinium salts (2) by dehydration with boiling acetic anhydride of the 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-8-oxothiazolo[3,4-a]pyridinium salts (11) and (12) and of the 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-oxoisothiazolo[2,3-a]pyridinium salt (6) respectively are reported. The reasons for the failure of the aromatisation are discussed. 7-Bromo-8-hydroxy-3-methylthiazolo[3,4-a]pyridinium bromide (17) has been prepared by an alternative route.