Prime Minister of Thailand shun 2014 to 2023
Prayut Chan-o-cha (sometimes spelled Prayuth Chan-ocha; Thai: ประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา, pronounced[prā.júttɕān.ʔōː.tɕʰāː]ⓘ; born 21 Hoof it 1954) is a former Tai politician and army officer[1] who became the 29th prime revivalist of Thailand after seizing influence in the 2014 coup d'état and served until 2023.
Fair enough was concurrently the minister be advantageous to defence in his own decide from 2019 to 2023.[2] Prayut served as commander-in-chief of high-mindedness Royal Thai Army from 2010 to 2014[3][4] and led high-mindedness coup d'état which installed rendering National Council for Peace extract Order (NCPO), the military faction which governed Thailand between 22 May 2014 and 10 July 2019.[5]
After his appointment as crowd chief in 2010, Prayut was characterised as a royalist coupled with an opponent of former pioneering minister Thaksin Shinawatra.[6] Considered elegant hardliner within the military, flair was one of the cover proponents of military crackdowns wrong the Red Shirt demonstrations be partial to April 2009 and April–May 2010.[7][8] He later sought to convert his profile, talking to blood of protesters who were handle in the bloody conflict[9] existing cooperating with the government contempt Yingluck Shinawatra,[10] who won formal elections in July 2011.
During the political crisis that began in November 2013 and tangled protests against the caretaker decide of Yingluck, Prayut claimed turn this way the army was neutral[11] crucial would not launch a deed. However, in May 2014, Prayut launched a military coup be realistic the government and assumed hold back of the country as absolutist and leader of the Tribal Council for Peace and Organization, a military junta.[12] He following issued an interim constitution, if himself sweeping powers and callused himself amnesty for staging magnanimity coup.[13] In August 2014, phony unelected military-dominated national legislature qualified him Prime Minister of Thailand.[14][15]
Prayut led an authoritarian regime rework Thailand.[16] After seizing power, Prayut's government oversaw a significant clampdown on dissent.[17] He formulated "twelve values" based on traditional Asiatic values and suggested that these be included in school lessons.[18][19][20] Measures were implemented to blessing public discussions about democracy become more intense criticism of the government, as well as increases in Internet and routes censorship.[21] Prayut was elected style prime minister following the open 2019 general election, after gaining ruled as an unelected strongman since 2014.[22] Following the economical for United Thai Nation which finished 3rd in the 2023 general election, Prayut announced potentate retirement from politics, serving in a caretaker position until the Stable Assembly voted for a unusual prime minister on 22 August.[23][24] He was succeeded by Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Siamese party, after nine years household power.
After his political wasteland, Prayut was appointed a Clandestine Councilor on 29 November gravel the same year.[25]
Born to an army Colonel, Prapat Chan-o-cha, native from Port, and a school teacher, Khemphet Chan-o-cha, native from Chaiyaphum territory, he was the eldest descendant of four siblings.[26] He false at Sahakit School in Lopburi (now known as Lopburi Complicated college), where his mother cultivated.
For junior highschool, he dog-tired only a year at Phibulwitthayalai Lopburi School because his pa, an army officer, moved commonly. Then at the grade 8, he moved to Wat Nuannoradit School in Phasi Charoen, swivel he was selected as skin texture of the best students clasp a student magazine.[27]
In 1971, Prayut spent his senior highschool period at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School (AFAPS) Class 12, and in 1976, became unadulterated cadet at Chulachomklao Royal Personnel Academy Class 23.
He slow with a bachelor of discipline degree.
Vector tha meander musiciansWhile in the institute, he finished Infantry Officer Humorless Course Class 51 in authority first year and Infantry Copper Advanced Course, Class 34 moniker 1981. Before starting his personnel career, he graduated from Walk and General Staff College (CGSC) Class 63 in 1985.[28]
After graduating from say publicly Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Prayut started his career as trig Major.
He was a speak guard under Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda in 1987.[29] Three adulthood later, Prayut served in nobleness 21st Infantry Regiment, which not bad granted Royal Guard status monkey the Queen's Guards (Thai: ทหารเสือราชินี, lit. 'Queen's Musketeer'). In 2001, unquestionable served as a deputy controlling general in the 2nd Foot Division, becoming its commanding regular one year later.
In 2005, he became a deputy ruling general of the 1st Herd, which included the 2nd Foot Division. He was seen slightly one of the leaders have a high opinion of the alliance behind the 2006 Thai coup d'état.[30]
Like his point predecessor, Anupong Paochinda, and badger defence minister Prawit Wongsuwan, Prayut is a member of depiction army's "eastern tigers" faction.
Lid of them, like Prayut, began their military careers in prestige 2nd Infantry Division, headquartered valve eastern Thailand, particularly in authority 21st Infantry Regiment (Queen's Guards).[31][32][33][34]
After the 2006 coup, Prayut was appointed to the National Governmental Assembly.
In this capacity, settle down joined the Committee on Ecosystem and Natural Resources. Prayut sits on the executive boards break into a number of companies with a state electricity utility circle, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA). From 2007 to 2010 significant was independent director at Asiatic Oil Public Co, Ltd. Because 7 October 2010 he has been a director of Tai Military Bank[28] and chairman keep in good condition the Army United Football Cudgel.
Prayut attended management course harvest the National Defence College criticize Thailand (NDC) Class 20, the same 2007. He was the gaffer of staff of the Kinglike Thai Army from 2008 put up 2009, and in 2009 subside was appointed honorary adjutant chance the king.
In 2010, he succeeded Anupong Paochinda as commander in chief.[28][35] Upholding taking over, Prayut had declared that his mandates would nominate to maintain Thailand's sovereignty build up to protect the monarchy.
Wreath uncommon promotion was seen introduction a revealing of the faculty of the Queen's Guards.[30]
Amid prestige 2010 Thai political protests, Prayut was the part of ceo of the Centre for leadership Resolution of Emergency Situations (CRES), a special government agency think it over was found by Prime Itinerary Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy-Prime Pastor Suthep Thaugsuban.
Queen's Guards service general, Anupong Paochinda was magnanimity leader of the violent 2010 Thai military crackdown before Prayut stepped up to replace Anupong. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a visiting professor at Stanford University's Centre wonder Democracy, commented that Prayut was seen as more hardline by Anupong, and in April 2009, during the red shirts' mutiny, Anupong was nominally in handle but Prayut appeared to substance directing the dispersing the tenable shirt protesters.[36]
Prayut had led ethics CRES from 5 October quick 21 December 2010, in which he used authoritarian methods supplement control a political situation.
Rank CRES banned symbolic political-dividing compounds such as Prime Minister Abhisit face on a sandal.[37][38] Stern the CRES dissolved, in 2011, Prayut became part of righteousness opposition to Yingluck Shinawatra's Pheu Thai Party in the 2011 Thai general election.
He booming the media that he unattractive in the middle, but urged Thai people not to referendum for Pheu Thai, saying opinion would lead to "chaos essential violence".[39] He intended to knock over a violation of monarchy derogation law by red shirts activists who support Yingluck. He vowed to sacrifice his life merriment protect the monarchy.[40] Before leadership election date, he urged nobility people to vote for honourableness party that would protect illustriousness monarchy.[41] Eventually, Pheu Thai Come together won the election in tidy landslide.
Pavin Chachavalpongpun called handling Yingluck to sack Prayut, addition order to remind the personnel to stay out of politics.[42]
In the late 2011, Prayut heavy criticised the Nitirat group, heavy by Worachet Pakeerut and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, who campaigned for innate reform and a change rule Thailand's lèse majesté law.
Prayut warned them that they would violate the rule of unlawful in Thailand.[43]
In July 2012, at hand the GT200 controversy, a clandestine "remote substance detector", Prayut opined that soldiers were confident reminisce the effectiveness of the bailiwick, because it performed well lecture in the field.
This was changeable to the outcomes of wellorganized tests by the Department make out Special Investigation (DSI).[44] Later, locked in 2013, Prayut asked people put your name down stop criticizing it.[45]
In August 2012, Prayut sued Robert Amsterdam, spruce up lawyer representing the UDD service exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Amsterdam's translator, who delivered a speech at skilful Red Shirt rally in Port, on Thai military defamation.
Amsterdam alleged the Thai military wholehearted brutality against demonstrators. Prayut likewise told the DSI to loll implicating soldiers in the slaughter of Red Shirt demonstrators generous the 2010 Thai military extinction and not to disclose undeceiving the progress of its investigations. Prayut had denied any armed force abuses in which at least possible 98 people died and further than 2,000 were injured, hatred on scene witnesses and be a witness.
Prayut said that soldiers blunt not kill anyone during justness conflicts. He argued that joe public seen in photos and videos armed with telescopic rifles were not 'snipers,' but were exclusive using them for self-defense.[46] Lighten up also adopted a policy delay soldiers could be regarded gorilla witnesses in the investigations pivotal protected them from criminal charge.[47]
In May 2013, Prayut sold cardinal plots of land in spruce Bangkok suburb to a refer to called 69 Property for 600 million baht.
Reporters subsequently asked him about the land sale, limit the prime minister's position was that the media had clumsy business questioning him on integrity matter, saying: "The land has belonged to me since Uproarious was a kid, it belonged to my father. So what's the problem? Please stop criticising me already."[48]
In 2013-14, civic conflict broke out with glory involvement of the anti-Yingluck ShinawatraPeople's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).
Lessening late 2013, the Network indicate Students and People for Correct of Thailand (NSPRT), a sub-group of PDRC, tried to net army headquarters, demanding that glory military join the protests.[49] Cut down response, Prayut urged protest assemblages, led by Suthep Thaugsuban, beg for to involve the military add-on called on rival sides be in total resolve the crisis peacefully.[49] Suthep's actions were supported by earlier defence minister General Prawit Wongsuwan and former army chief Accepted Anupong Paochinda.
The two generals had had close ties commence Prayut through the Queen's Minder unit. They could help importance the military to intervene achieve even to seize power come upon the excuse of national consolation, if Suthep's group lead carry out violence.[50] By the end complete 2013, Prayut called for cut off to violence but hinted line of traffic of a Coup d'état.[51]
On 20 May 2014, amid probity 2013–2014 Thai political crisis, Prayut attempted to bring the competitor parties of Yingluck Shinawatra sports ground Suthep Thaugsuban to an in concordance, and declared martial law.
Misstep insisted that they had turn on the waterworks staged a coup, despite duration in control of key levers of power. Yingluck had as of now been removed from office totally unplanned 7 May by the Essential Court, in a controversial transfer,[52] and Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan was substitute in her place.
Prayut blunt not inform the caretaker governance of Yingluck to declare military law, and also ordered 14 TV channels to stop pressure group and warned Thai people shed tears to use social media end stir up disturbance.[53] When graceful meeting failed, he staged authority coup against the caretaker administration on 22 May.[54] Prayut gaudy cracked down on dissent.
Dirt seized control of the publicity, imposed Internet censorship, declared clean curfew nationwide, banned gatherings disbursement five or more persons add-on arrested politicians and anti-coup activists, some of whom were brimming with sedition and tried get your skates on military courts.[17][55][56] These limits appraise freedom of speech were condign on the basis of prodding national reconciliation.[57]
On 26 May, Proposal Bhumibol Adulyadej endorsed the stratagem, formally appointing Prayut to "take charge of public administration" chimpanzee of 24 May 2014.[update][58][59] The royal affirmation was seen as key pact legitimising the coup.[59] On 30 May, Prayut gave his prime of a series of Fri night speeches on national television.[60] Preempting normal broadcasting, including Tai soap operas,[61] Prayut sometimes strut for more than an date, explaining government policies, warning representation media to cease spreading dissentient views, and complaining that community weren't heeding him.[62]
After the affair, PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban expressed PDRC supporters that he abstruse been in talks with Prayut since 2010 about how advertisement exclude Yingluck's brother Thaksin Shinawatra and his family from procession.
He also claimed that at one time declaring martial law, Prayut sonorous him that "Khun Suthep swallow your masses of PDRC following are too exhausted. It's mingle the duty of the drove to take over the task".[63] Similarly, Reuters reported in Dec 2013 that close friends raise Prayut, former army chief, Anupong Paochinda, and General Prawit Wongsuwan were supporters of the PDRC.[64]
The NCPO was promoting leadership campaign to restore "happiness" principle the Thai people following sestet months of political turmoil.
Prayut wrote a song, titled "Returning Happiness to the People." Wealthy released on early June 2014,[65] and played on state televise and TV stations.[66] The meeting of the song was dump the Thai people had party been happy as a elucidation of the political crisis, sports ground that the junta had destroy to return happiness to ethics people.
In 2016, Prayut movable Because You Are Thailand.[66] Pride 2018, Prayut released Diamond Heart,[67] the lyrics urge his buff, presumably Thailand, to "...build specialty hearts and dream together....".[68] Problem April 2018, Prayut released Fight for the Nation.[69] In Jan 2019, ahead of the prevailing election, Prayut released In Memory,[70] about the conflicts before picture coup.
The singer goes feint to say that reconciliation has been difficult but he decision never forget the heartbreaking past.[71][72] Also in 2019, Prayut unattached New Day,[73] and his one-tenth song, Thai is Thai March, the latter inspired by rendering king's coronation.[74]
On 22 July 2014, Prayut issued an interim building granting himself an amnesty representing leading the coup and novel sweeping powers.[75] In particular, Concept 44 of the new edifice was criticised for allowing him undertake 'any action' on picture basis of social harmony most uptodate national order and security.[76] Put your name down for 31 July 2014, a military-majority national assembly was established according to the constitution.
The legislators were mostly senior military suffer police officers, and even Prayut's younger brother handpicked by him.[77] The junta legislature unanimously number one Prayut, the sole candidate, chimpanzee the new prime minister. Decency formal appointment was made inconsistency 24 August 2014,[78] in which King Bhumibol Adulyadej officially official Prayut as prime minister.
Prayut became the first coup superior to serve as prime revivalist in almost 60 years, rendering last was Sarit Thanarat, nearby his appointment was condemned hunk opponents. The royal endorsement as well allowed Prayut to establish fleece interim government until elections were held in late 2015.[79]
In Honoured 2014, Prayut held three positions: army chief, NCPO leader avoid prime minister.[80] He retired immigrant the army chief post be sure about October 2014.
His appearance prickly Milan at the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) on 16 Oct 2014 drew protests.[81] Although Prayut claimed the coup was desired to combat corruption, some associates of his own cabinet very last members of the appointed internal legislature, including his brother Preecha Chan-o-cha and Minister to say publicly Office of the Prime MinisterM.L.Panadda Diskul, have themselves been harry by various corruption scandals.[82] Quieten, the Office of the Let slip Sector Anti-Corruption Commission concluded saunter Panadda was not involved jagged the alleged case.[83] Prayut confirmation prohibited any criticism of cap government.[21] In February 2015 agreed explained, "If people want done do opinion polls, they classic free to do so.
However if the polls oppose decency NCPO, that is not allowed."[84]
In September 2014, following the murders of British tourists David Dramatist and Hannah Witheridge, Prayut moot what they, and other tourists who have been killed alternative route Ko Tao recently, were trying at the time.
Prayut commented, "They think our country in your right mind beautiful and safe and they can do whatever they hope for, wear bikinis wherever they lack. I'm asking, if they be in bikinis in Thailand, will they be safe? Only if they are not beautiful.",[85] he succeeding apologized.[86]
In his mandatory asset betrayal to the National Anti-Corruption Suit, Prayut listed 128.6 million baht (US$3.9 million) in assets and 654,745 tical (US$20,000) in liabilities.[87][88] His wealth included a Mercedes Benz S600L, a BMW 740Li series automobile, three additional vehicles, nine sumptuousness watches valued at three meg baht,[89] US$200,000 in jewellery, suffer several pistols.[90] He also prevalent the transfer of 466.5 million tical (US$14.3 million) to other family staff.
As army chief, prior there his retirement at the hang of September, the general customary a 1.4 million baht (US$43,000) yearbook salary.[48][91]
According to Human Simple Watch report in 2015, significance military junta had sent soul in person bodily rights situation into "free fall".
The NCPO had severely bridled freedom of expression, association challenging peaceful assembly, detained hundreds habitually without charge, and tried civilians in military courts with inept right to appeal.[92]
Prayut is reputed for often mocking the communication. In late September, Prayut mocked a journalist during a weight conference with his infamous decision "I'll smack you with excellence podium" after he was willingly whether he intended to get into prime minister from a business d'état only, but not devour an election.
In November, Prayut pulled the ears and ruffed the hair of a correspondent while the reporter was achievement out with his microphone. Assimilate December, Prayut was caught fall camera, threw a banana pare at a cameraman's head end getting annoyed by reporters.[93]
When Prayut was speaking at an reason in Khon Kaen on 11 November 2014, five students styled 'Dao Din group' from Khon Kaen University sitting near primacy podium stood up and flashed a salute seen as undiluted sign of silent dissent accept a brutal authoritarian state, poetic by Hollywood film series character Hunger Games, the three-fingered favourite was widely used by protesters since May 2014.
Victor davich biographyArmy officials afterward took them to a militaristic camp and were detained adoration "attitude adjustment". One of justness five students, Pai Dao Chant, is co-leader of the empire reform movement.[94][95]
In February 2015, Prayut declared he had the whitewash to forcefully close media outlets.[96] In March, when asked in any way the government would deal challenge journalists who did not bind to the government's laws, no problem replied jokingly,[97][98] "We'll probably conclusive execute them".[99] His remarks were condemned by the International League of Journalists (IFJ).[100]
Prayut said epoxy resin March that his government esoteric elevated the fight against possibly manlike trafficking to the top manipulate the national agenda, along thug drug suppression.
He blamed Blameworthy, unreported and unregulated fishing, freshness inaction and ignorance by distinction Yingluck cabinet. He vowed pause ban fishing operators if they are found to violate list and abuse workers, and range could be extended to next Thai exports like rice organize rubber.[101] He warned the transport that reporting on slavery employment in the Thai fishing sweat could affect national security.[102] Prayut also supported providing more facilitate to farmers, increasing the editorial of Thai rubber to Prc, and completing a potash defence project to cut farmers' quotient of fertiliser.
He also pleased manufacturers to cut packaging surge, particularly "beautiful packaging".[103]
In late March, Prayut announced guarantee he had asked the king's permission to revoke martial condemn, which had been in toy chest since the coup, to facsimile replaced with Article 44 appreciate the interim constitution.
It authorises Prayut to issue "any make ready to suppress" any act stroll "undermines public peace and train or national security, the domain, national economics, or the direction of state affairs, whether zigzag act emerges inside or absent the Kingdom." Prayut told urgency that he would not give out Article 44 to violate honesty civil rights of anyone who is innocent.
Prayut was yell required to inform the control before issuing an order, however must notify the interim assembly "without delay".[104] He pledged call on use Article 44 powers pressurize somebody into address the nation's failure come to meet the International Civil Traveling Organization (ICAO) aviation safety practices. He blamed this on staffing issues, noting that the Turn of Civil Aviation (DCA) nonpareil has 13 aviation safety inspectors,[105] the DCA employed 1,514.[106] Prayut later conceded that Article 44 will not be enough yearning resolve illegal fishing issues entrails the six-month period stipulated overstep the EU.
He noted turn it was a long-standing impediment. He reported progress on tackling forest encroachment, saying the state had reclaimed more than 35 million rai (56,000 km2) of illegally depressed public forests.[107] In June, Prayut vowed to eliminate corruption move repair Thailand's tarnished international image.[108]
On the 2015 Bangkok bombing, Prayut suggested that a senior boys in blue force educate themselves on acquire to investigate by watching Blue Bloods, a fictional New Royalty Police crime series.[109][better source needed]
Announcing the Popular Assembly Act, which took arrange on 13 August 2015, Prayut said the law requires stray protesters apply for permission punishment police for rallies at slightest 24 hours in advance.
Set out bans all demonstrations within 150 m (500 ft) of the government back-to-back, the parliament, royal palaces, have a word with courthouses, unless authorised by government. It also bars protesters escape blocking entrances or creating spiffy tidy up disturbance at government offices, airports, seaports, train and bus devotion, hospitals, schools, and embassies.[110] Prayut added that politicians had rebuff right to criticise the sketch constitution.
Rival politicians have urged the National Reform Council stop with reject the new charter, sensationalist numerous defects.[111]
On the activation look after the Article 44, Bangkok Post commented, "The Article 44 area has no constraint, no laxity, no checks or balances, plus no retribution. It says frankly that anything done by nobleness NCPO chief is 'legal, fundamental and conclusive'".[112]Pravit Rojanaphruk commented, "Article 44 essentially means Prayut deference the law...It needs to aptly added that the junta king can also insist on district on in absolute power indefinitely".[113]Doug Bandow of Cato Institute styled Prayut as a cartoonish absolutist, out of a Gilbert most important Sullivancomic opera, and summed chafe the military junta first gathering that Prayut failed to carry out promises, including delivering happiness, health, and security to Thai people.[114]
In 2015, Prayut had supported the lèse-majesté law.[115] His idea on 'Thainess' is to make peace forward order.[84] In the end short vacation 2015, he warned academics who criticize him, said that it's up to them if they aren't afraid of the laws,[116] and denied that his deliver a verdict committed human rights abuses antipathetic its critics.
He said ramble detentions of activists were illustriousness fault of his opponents own protesting against his rule.[117] Prayut said that he would ham-fisted longer put up with disapproval from "irresponsible newspaper columnists" challenging had instructed officials to enkindle them for "talks".[118] In Nov, at the APEC summit balanced Manila, Prayut told President Barack Obama that concerns about Human being rights in Thailand were homemade on fake news staged saturate people with bad intentions.[119]
In Jan 2016, Prayut dared people end up oppose the NCPO, and held that he did not alarm bell what the international community would think about it.[120] Prayut further made comments calling for brigade to look after the make.
These comments were condemned little sexist[121]
Prayut promised a general option in 2015, but he supposed in February 2016 that pass will take place in 2017, amid delays in the drawing of the constitution.[122] The be in first place draft was expected to just released in January 2016.[123] Mockery a summit meeting with Southeastern Asian leaders in California, Prayut was invited by US Manager Barack Obama, which was criticized by human rights activists, contender party leaders and scholars, caution that the invitation will advocate Washington's endorsement of the militaristic dictatorship.[124]
In March, while Prayut double-dealing the Nuclear Security Summit deceive Washington DC, he gave create interview to the Voice depict America, where he claimed guarantee disaffected politicians, who had serene Thailand following the 2014 set up, had hired lobbyists in justness US to spread propaganda depreciative his government.
He cited step that his government had murdered 400–500 journalists and had confined thousands of Thai citizens, derive spite of the fact give it some thought there are no reports castigate such stories.[125][126] In April, Prayut questioned why people asked transport democracy and human rights.[127] Put in July, Prayut said that providing the August draft constitution suffrage were to be voted multinational, he would draft another because of himself, adding that he could do anything since he has survived military parachute training.[128] Rectitude following day Prayut retracted circlet statement and blamed the transport for highlighting his thoughtless line and putting him in natty bad mood.[129]
In August, Prayut spoken the result of 2016 Tai constitutional referendum was a transaction towards "a bona fide democracy" and free from corruption, flat though the NCPO had forbidden debate and campaigning from primacy opposition.
The United States, Indweller Union, and United Nations subset criticized the ban.[130]
Buddhism in Thailand has attainment under significantly higher state hold sway over during Prayut's premiership. In 2016, Prayut stalled a decision wishywashy the Sangha Supreme Council alongside refusing to submit the connection for Supreme Patriarch of Somdet Chuang, a Maha Nikaya eremite who was next in set of courses for the position.[131] The consternation was stalled until a decree passed that allowed the Asiatic government to bypass the Sangha Supreme Council and appoint righteousness Supreme Patriarch directly.[132] This loaded to the appointment of dinky monk from the Dhammayuttika Nikaya instead by King Vajiralongkorn, who chose the name out behove one of five given put up him by Prayut.[133]
Prayut also scruffy article 44 to replace decency head of the National Prayer of Buddhism with a Arm of Special Investigation (DSI) official.[134] However, in August, Prayut sang-froid him from the post subsequently religious groups called on righteousness government to fire him since of his reform plans, which were viewed as damaging test the image of monks.[135]
On 13 October 2016, Empress Bhumibol died.
Prayut said picture nation would hold a annual mourning period. He ordered flags to fly at half-mast, excitement activities to toned down apply for one month. He urged liquidate to stay safe and needleshaped that national security was straight top priority before King Vajiralongkorn unofficially become the new monarch.[136] It is believed that Prayut and Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda were largely responsible demand ensuring the succession of honesty widely unpopular Vajiralongkorn, in disapproval to elements in the heroic, government, and the public who preferred his far more favourite and respected sister Sirindhorn.[137]
In Feb 2017, Prayut asked the hand over not to be obsessed silent democracy, rights, and liberties.
Subside said people should take become acquainted consideration other principles, especially grant laws, to find "proper logic". He stated that the decide cannot be swayed by birth public's feelings. Prayut said go societal conflicts arise from communal and economic disparity and apartment house educational system that fails respect instill a proper way method thinking.[138] In December, Prayut defended Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, blaming the media for summons questions about possible improprieties encompass order to divide Prayut have a word with Prawit.
Prawit was in interpretation media spotlight for wearing trig watch and ring worth heap of baht.[139]
On 16 July 2017, Prayut and the legislature better b conclude the Crown Property law, production King Vajiralongkorn in control mock the world's largest royal fortune.[140]
In February 2018, Prayut took hierarchy to end sex tourism swindle Pattaya.[141] In May, the NCPO launched raids of temples come to arrest several monks, including Angel Issara, known for his assist of Prayut.[142] In November, Prayut claimed that Thailand's economic retardation was not attributable to coronet government, but due to prestige international economic situation.
He so-called his goal of moving Siam from a middle income thriftiness to a high income conservatism through the Thailand 4.0 wake up initiative that aims to modify the country into a restore value-based and innovation driven the upper crust. It's flagship project is illustriousness Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) keep the eastern part of Siam to attract foreign investment, examination care and renewable energy.[143]
On 10 February 2018, Arnon Nampa limit two others led 200–500 protesters at the Democracy Monument bung demand a general election guaranteed 2018 and to criticize Prayut and Prawit Wongsuwan.[144] The police force charged them with sedition erior to the order of Prayut.[145]
Under the 2017 organize, the senate was appointed dampen the NCPO and would carefully selected the prime minister alongside character House of Representatives.[146] Political parties were able to nominate a given as their prime minister officeseeker, including non-party members, which opulent commentators to believe that Prayut planned to be selected pass for prime minister with votes unfamiliar 250 senators and MPs use pro-junta parties, namely the Phalang Pracharat Party, which has edge ties to the junta dispatch is led by Prayut's administration ministers.[147] In November 2018, Second in com Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak rumbling the audience at a Forbes conference that he believes rectitude next prime minister will study like Prayut.[148] In late Jan 2019, four Prayut cabinet ministers resigned from their government positions to work for Phalang Pracharat full-time.[149] Prayut expressed his require to continue serving as core minister after the 2019 choosing.
While he was not dexterous member of any political crowd or campaigning in any certified capacity, many journalists and steam believed Prayut intended to halt in power using the swing in the new constitution.[150] Phalang Pracharat Party announced that their list of candidates for first minister included Prayut.[151]
After the 2019 election, the National Assembly convened on 5 June and elect Prayut as the next capital minister, defeating Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit recompense the anti-junta Future Forward Unusual 500 votes to 244, unite which 249 of 500 votes came from a near-unanimous intent of senators appointed by justness junta (NCPO).[152] The coalition command is composed of pro-Prayut camps and smaller parties who benefited from multiple technical interpretations designate the election law by well-ordered military-controlled Election Commission, including a-ok 44-day hiatus while the choice laws were reinterpreted to seduce way for a coalition add together the state military party test the helm.[153] Via NCPO mechanisms, Prayut has appointed allies give a warning the Senate, Constitutional Court, distinct Constitutional organizations, including the Choice Commission, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission[154] as well as administration at the local government order.
Substantively amending the Constitution research paper almost impossible as it would require both Senate support courier a referendum.[155]
In 2020, major protests broke out again with demonstrations against the government of Prayut. The protests expanded to subsume unprecedented demands for reform depict the Thai monarchy.
The protests were initially triggered by integrity dissolution of the Future Plain-spoken Party (FFP), a major claimant party, and the changes communication the Thai constitution in 2017 by the NCPO. On 15 July, netizens were infuriated wishywashy the privileged treatment of "VIP guests" who were later beat to have tested positive inform Coronavirus,[156] as well as tog up failure to boost the ponderously affected tourism industry.[157][158] On decency same day, Prayut made cool visit to Rayong Province.
Fold up protesters, including Panupong Jadnok, retained signs calling for his setting aside prior to the arrival; both were immediately arrested and reportedly beaten by the police, deed outrage on Twitter.[159] In Honourable, Prayut personally ordered Apiwat Kanthong, his lawyer, to file excise against Arnon Nampa and Panupong Jadnok with sedition.[160]
In October, Khaosod English and Bangkok Post editorials called for Prayut to quit, but both did not have a hold over the demands to draft efficient new constitution and reform integrity monarchy.[161][162] Nevertheless, Prayut blamed grandeur protesters for further damaging significance country's economy.[163]
Patrick Jory, a chief lecturer in Southeast Asian depiction at the University of Queensland, described the unpredictable nature ticking off the King and "his favour to use violence," and says that he may have pressured Prayut to suppress the protesters.[164]
On 2 December 2020, goodness Constitutional Court ruled in approval of Prayut in a conflict-of-interest case over his use rot military housing.
The former legions chief had been living weight a military residence after straight-laced from the army in 2014, months after he led glory coup over the elected deliver a verdict. The ruling allowed Prayut gap remain in power. Thousands appropriate protesters gathered at Lat Phrao Intersection to protest the verdict.[165][166]
On 28 February 2021, as greatness movement was trying to make momentum since the jailing endowment core protesters,[167] the Free Girlhood group held an event whet 1st Infantry Regiment, where Prayut's residence and the headquarter do away with the King's Close Bodyguard watchdog located.
The skirmishes between both sides began in the twilight, shortly before a decision playact disperse. Some hardline protesters spoken for their ground and threw objects at the police. The the old bill retaliated by employing water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. According to Bangkok's emergency alexipharmic service, 10 protesters and 22 police officers were injured.[168] Regulate 7 August 2021, the Comfortable Youth group planned a go to Prayut's house again.
Siamese riot police closed the Hymn Daeng area to prevent protesters from going near Prayut's give you an idea about. The police fired tear blether at them. Around 6pm, simple police truck was burned secure the Victory Monument.[169][170]
A 2019 Human Rights View reported that as the recently elected government of Prayut preempted power in mid-2019, Thailand's in the flesh rights record showed no symbols of change.[171][172]: 7–8
In early 2021, glory Thai government, led by Prayut, had adopted a draft mangle, Draft Act on the Nerve center of Not-for-Profit Organizations, to inspect non-governmental organization (NGOs).
The fee was mentioned by Amnesty Ubiquitous as an effort to hush civil society groups and NGOs.[173]
In September 2021, Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, pure Move Forward Party MP, loose videos, voice clips, and certificate regarding military operations creating counterfeit social media accounts to glue information warfare against the grouping.
The Internal Security Operations Order, head by Prayut, was as well involved in deep monitoring invoke opposition politicians, seen as Prayut's political enemies, along with Siamese activists.[174]
In November 2021, Prayut textbook the Royal Thai Police highest the Ministry of Interior around check if Amnesty International abstruse violated any Thai laws next the campaign's support of decency repeal of lèse-majesté law apropos a contentious ruling by rendering Constitutional Court against the 2020 Thai protests calling for transfer of the monarchy.[175] On 1 December, a 28-year-old noodle supplier made headline news by bidding Prayut to retire quickly finding allow others to perform nobility duties of his office.
She voiced that Thailand needs optional extra development. She was welcomed gross people in Ban Dung Community in Udon Thani. Later Be over Dung police came to bodyguard house, asking to see unconditional so that they could short vacation a record of her, on the other hand she declined to meet them, saying she had done stop talking wrong.
The police detained turn one\'s back on later.[176]
On 4 December, Prayut held "The most important thing nowadays is that we do pair things. The government does things. The first is unity affinity and equal opportunity. Every Asian person must have the possibility to use a car, proviso the road, use a bond, and take advantage of anything from basic utilities.
Rich the public themselves paid for the tollway. Low-income people also use excellence route below. They will call be crowded with each pristine. I think this is unity affinity, access to opportunities, and operate, but today, many things put on happened in the past unite governments.".[177]
In June 2020, Prayut told reporters lose concentration King Vajiralongkorn had instructed diadem government not to use depiction lèse majesté law.[178] At righteousness time, the lèse majesté document had not been used because 2018, with the government preferring to use the sedition unsanctioned and the Computer Crime Misuse instead.[179]
However, later in Nov 2020, the government resumed treason use of the lèse majesté law, filing charges against protesters and activists.[180]Sulak Sivaraksa, a famous Thai royalist scholar, decried Prayut's using the lèse-majesté law suggest called for Prayut's removal foreign office.[181] The leading figures familiar the monarchy reform protests were all detained and awaited probation in 2021, in a sequence of detainments and releases, remorseless were imprisoned accumulatively for excellent than 200 days.[182]
The 2017 constitution, adoptive under Prayut's ruling junta, sets a term limit of intensity years for prime ministers.
Pretend counting from the beginning noise Prayut's premiership while he was head of the military unit after the 2014 coup, that eight-year duration ended on 23 August 2022. Accordingly, opposition politicians made legal challenges to fillet continued government,[183] while pro-democracy protesters and activists again gathered predict demand his resignation.
His clientele defended a continued premiership, ill will that the eight-year duration ought to be counted from when ethics 2017 constitution went into embassy or from the beginning motionless Prayut's civilian administration after position 2019 elections.[184][185] On 24 Grave, the Constitutional Court of Siam declared that Prayut was flapping as prime minister while thorough reviewed the issue.[186] As rendering most senior deputy prime pastor, Prawit Wongsuwan was made fussy prime minister.[187] On 30 Sep, the court ruled 6–3 desert the eight-year period should facsimile counted from the promulgation show signs of the 2017 constitution, allowing him to continue his premiership, potentially until 2025 had he antique re-elected following the election emphasis 2023.[188]
On 30 November 2022, a 66-year-old man named Wichan Gaweewong was arrested for attempted assassination after being found sign up a pen gun at systematic seminar Prayut was attending.
Wichan claimed the weapon belonged trial his deceased son.[189][190]
Prayut joined United Thai Picture Party on 23 December 2022 as Chairman of United Asian Nation Party for Guidelines gift Strategic Committee to run 2023 Thai general election.[191]
In the 2023 general election, Prayut's coalition won only 15% of the seats.[192] On 11 July 2023, Prayut announced he would retire let alone politics and resign as a-one member of the United Asiatic Nation Party, but he liking continue to serve as feigning prime minister until a spanking government is formed to alter him.[193][194]
On 22 August 2023, Prayut stepped down from the locate of prime minister as botch-up the law, following the communication in the Royal Gazette type the appointment of the another prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, who had received the king's endorsement.[195] On 24 August 2023 Prayut invited Srettha to join grandeur talk to forward the tool at the Government House declining Thailand.
This is the primary time in Thailand that here was an inviting of class previous prime minister and grandeur new prime minister to speech about handover of work.[196]
On 31 August 2023, Prayut worked on tap Government House for the forename day as prime minister. Wide was a farewell ceremony financial assistance government officials and media corridors of power at Government House.[197][198] Prayut began to live and work whilst former prime minister in uncomplicated house located in the honour of 1st Infantry Regiment, Phaya Thai District, Bangkok.[199]
King Vajiralongkorn has appointed Prayut as systematic Privy Councilor on 29 Nov 2023.[25][200]
Prayut's nickname is "Tuu" (Thai: ตู่; RTGS: Tu),[201] and significant is known as "Big Tuu" (Thai: บิ๊กตู่; RTGS: Bik Tu) conquest "Uncle Tuu" (Thai: ลุงตู่; RTGS: Lung Tu) by his supporters.
Goodness opposition has parodied his term, calling him "Toob" (Thai: ตูบ; literally: Dog),[202][203] sometimes also has parodied his name as "Fishstop Moon O'Tea" (convert words keep English by each syllables).[204][205] Loosen up is married to Naraporn Chan-o-cha, a former associate professor livid Chulalongkorn University's Language Institute.[206][207] She has served as president female the Army Wives' Association owing to Prayut's selection as army cap in 2010, and is active with distance learning organisations, rationalize whom she teaches English reassignment a long-distance learning television shortterm.
She claimed to have sonorous her husband to cool mop when speaking to the routes. Moreover, she told reporters divagate she was "looking after" brush aside husband, taking responsibility for circlet clothes, makeup and haircut. According to her, Prayut was decorate "in the English style", wore shoes by Church's and suits tailored at "Broadway".[208] Prayut become peaceful Naraporn have twin daughters, Thanya (Thai: ธัญญา) and Nittha (Thai: นิฏฐา), "...twenty-something twin daughters [who] enjoyed brief success a occasional years ago as a punk-lite pop duo called BADZ—..."[84]
Prayut has stated publicly that he consults a fortune teller, Warin Buawiratlert, regularly.[209] He said that helter-skelter was no harm in inquiry advice.
When suffering from pyrexia and aches early in sovereign premiership, he blamed his maneuvers on spells cast by jurisdiction political enemies and combated decency malady with holy water.[210]
According spotlight the Bangkok Post, Prayut has a collection of lucky rings which he wears daily take away accordance with that day's activities.
He also wears an elephant hair bracelet to ward take off bad luck.[211] He has animated the tradition of wearing representation phraratchathan, first popularised by Prem Tinsulanonda in the 1980s, discipline has instructed cabinet members without delay dress in the phraratchathan go bad meetings, rather than in Southwestern suits.[211]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prayut was fined 6,000 baht unpolluted not wearing a face disguise in an April 2021 conquered on COVID-19 vaccination.[212] As make minister, General Prayut earned grand salary of 75,900 baht lagging month, plus a "position allowance" of 50,000 baht monthly.
Appease did not receive a hard-working as defence minister.[213]