An efficient and straightforward three-component synthetic protocol was developed to synthesize 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridine derivatives or thiochromeno[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives from β-aroylthioacetanilides or β-(2-haloaroyl)thioacetanilides, aldehydes, and aroyl acetonitriles via DABCO-catalyzed tandem [3 + 2 + 1] annulation and S(N)Ar reaction. This synthetic approach has the prominent features of high chemo-, stereo- (or enantio-), and unusual regioselectivity. In the domino processes, at least seven reactive sites were involved, and up to three covalent bonds and one functionalized pyridine ring were generated. This facile and efficient reaction is a quite general for the preparation of tetrahydropyridine derivatives or thiochromeno[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives.