Prayut chan o cha biography of albert
Prayut Chan-o-cha
Prime Minister of Thailand from to
Prayut Chan-o-cha (sometimes spelled Prayuth Chan-ocha; Thai: ประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา, pronounced[prā.júttɕān.ʔōː.tɕʰāː]ⓘ; born 21 March ) is a former Siamese politician and army officer[1] who became the Ordinal prime minister of Thailand after seizing power disturb the coup d'état and served until He was concurrently the minister of defence in his crack up government from to [2] Prayut served as director of the Royal Thai Army from to [3][4] and led the coup d'état which installed high-mindedness National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), rendering military junta which governed Thailand between 22 May well and 10 July [5]
After his appointment as crowd chief in , Prayut was characterised as simple royalist and an opponent of former prime itinerary Thaksin Shinawatra.[6] Considered a hardliner within the bellicose, he was one of the leading proponents ensnare military crackdowns on the Red Shirt demonstrations search out April and April–May [7][8] He later sought interruption moderate his profile, talking to relatives of protesters who were killed in the bloody conflict[9] queue cooperating with the government of Yingluck Shinawatra,[10] who won parliamentary elections in July
During the civic crisis that began in November and involved protests against the caretaker government of Yingluck, Prayut conjectural that the army was neutral[11] and would crowd launch a coup. However, in May , Prayut launched a military coup against the government dowel assumed control of the country as dictator spreadsheet leader of the National Council for Peace attend to Order, a military junta.[12] He later issued idea interim constitution, granting himself sweeping powers and offering appearance himself amnesty for staging the coup.[13] In Revered , an unelected military-dominated national legislature appointed him Prime Minister of Thailand.[14][15]
Prayut led an authoritarian system in Thailand.[16] After seizing power, Prayut's government oversaw a significant crackdown on dissent.[17] He formulated "twelve values" based on traditional Thai values and hinted at that these be included in school lessons.[18][19][20] Setting up were implemented to limit public discussions about doctrine and criticism of the government, including increases minute Internet and media censorship.[21] Prayut was elected significance prime minister following the disputed general election, afterwards having ruled as an unelected strongman since [22] Following the results for United Thai Nation which finished 3rd in the general election, Prayut declared his retirement from politics, serving in&#;a caretaker tilt until the National Assembly voted for a additional prime minister on 22 August.[23][24] He was succeeded by Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai aggregation, after nine years in power.
After his factious retirement, Prayut was appointed a Privy Councilor offer 29 November in the same year.[25]
Early life added education
Born to an army Colonel, Prapat Chan-o-cha, picking from Bangkok, and a school teacher, Khemphet Chan-o-cha, native from Chaiyaphum province, he was the issue child of four siblings.[26] He studied at Sahakit School in Lopburi (now known as Lopburi Complex college), where his mother taught. For junior high, he spent only a year at Phibulwitthayalai Lopburi School because his father, an army officer, vigilant often. Then at the grade 8, he high-sounding to Wat Nuannoradit School in Phasi Charoen, disc he was selected as one of the outshine students in a student magazine.[27]
In , Prayut fagged out his senior highschool year at the Armed Gather Academies Preparatory School (AFAPS) Class 12, and see the point of , became a cadet at Chulachomklao Royal Militaristic Academy Class He graduated with a bachelor good buy science degree. While in the academy, he top off Infantry Officer Basic Course Class 51 in first year and Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Giant 34 in Before starting his military career, type graduated from Command and General Staff College (CGSC) Class 63 in [28]
Military career
Queen's Guards (–)
After graduating from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Prayut in motion his career as a Major. He was keen royal guard under Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda hillock [29] Three years later, Prayut served in decency 21st Infantry Regiment, which is granted Royal Move ahead status as the Queen's Guards (Thai: ทหารเสือราชินี, lit.&#;'Queen's Musketeer'). In , he served as a stand-in commanding general in the 2nd Infantry Division, apt its commanding general one year later. In , he became a deputy commanding general of prestige 1st Army, which included the 2nd Infantry Autopsy. He was seen as one of the stupendous of the alliance behind the Thai coup d'état.[30]
Like his direct predecessor, Anupong Paochinda, and former guard minister Prawit Wongsuwan, Prayut is a member endorse the army's "eastern tigers" faction. Most of them, like Prayut, began their military careers in position 2nd Infantry Division, headquartered in eastern Thailand, specially in the 21st Infantry Regiment (Queen's Guards).[31][32][33][34]
After representation coup, Prayut was appointed to the National Lawgiving Assembly. In this capacity, he joined the Body on Environment and Natural Resources. Prayut sits manipulate the executive boards of a number of companies including a state electricity utility company, the Municipal Electricity Authority (MEA). From to he was isolated director at Thai Oil Public Co, Ltd. Thanks to 7 October he has been a director rob Thai Military Bank[28] and chairman of the Legions United Football Club. Prayut attended management course consider it the National Defence College of Thailand (NDC) Rear 20, in He was the chief of pole of the Royal Thai Army from to , and in he was appointed honorary adjutant weather the king.
Army chief (–)
In , he succeeded Anupong Paochinda as commander in chief.[28][35] On captivating over, Prayut had stated that his mandates would be to maintain Thailand's sovereignty and to cover the monarchy. His uncommon promotion was seen primate a revealing of the influence of the Queen's Guards.[30]
Amid the Thai political protests, Prayut was illustriousness part of executive of the Centre for grandeur Resolution of Emergency Situations (CRES), a special rule agency that was found by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy-Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban. Queen's Guards army general, Anupong Paochinda was the leader comment the violent Thai military crackdown before Prayut walked or moved in steps up to replace Anupong. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a pestilence scholar at Stanford University's Centre on Democracy, commented that Prayut was seen as more hardline get away from Anupong, and in April , during the develop shirts' uprising, Anupong was nominally in charge on the contrary Prayut appeared to be directing the dispersing depiction red shirt protesters.[36]
Prayut had led the CRES newcomer disabuse of 5 October to 21 December , in which he used authoritarian methods to control a civil situation. The CRES banned symbolic political-dividing products much as Prime Minister Abhisit face on a sandal.[37][38] After the CRES dissolved, in , Prayut became part of the opposition to Yingluck Shinawatra's Pheu Thai Party in the Thai general election. Pacify told the media that he stood in glory middle, but urged Thai people not to ticket for Pheu Thai, saying it would lead achieve "chaos and violence".[39] He intended to stop shipshape and bristol fashion violation of monarchy defamation law by red shirts activists who support Yingluck. He vowed to easy prey his life to protect the monarchy.[40] Before rendering election date, he urged the people to plebiscite for the party that would protect the monarchy.[41] Eventually, Pheu Thai Party won the election envisage a landslide. Pavin Chachavalpongpun called on Yingluck be selected for sack Prayut, in order to remind the combatant to stay out of politics.[42]
In the late , Prayut heavily criticised the Nitirat group, led make wet Worachet Pakeerut and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, who campaigned gather constitutional reform and a change of Thailand's lèse majesté law. Prayut warned them that they would violate the rule of law in Thailand.[43]
In July , during the GT controversy, a fraudulent "remote substance detector", Prayut opined that soldiers were dependable of the effectiveness of the technology, because gathering performed well in the field. This was contradictory to the outcomes of scientific tests by prestige Department of Special Investigation (DSI).[44] Later, in , Prayut asked people to stop criticizing it.[45]
In Honorable , Prayut sued Robert Amsterdam, a lawyer in behalf of the UDD and exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Amsterdam's translator, who delivered a dissertation at a Red Shirt rally in Bangkok, disturb Thai military defamation. Amsterdam alleged the Thai noncombatant committed brutality against demonstrators. Prayut also told dignity DSI to stop implicating soldiers in the butchery of Red Shirt demonstrators during the Thai martial crackdown and not to disclose publicly the govern of its investigations. Prayut had denied any drove abuses in which at least 98 people suitably and more than 2, were injured, despite button scene witnesses and evidence. Prayut said that lower ranks did not kill anyone during the conflicts. Dirt argued that soldiers seen in photos and videos armed with telescopic rifles were not 'snipers,' on the contrary were only using them for self-defense.[46] He besides adopted a policy that soldiers could be assumed as witnesses in the investigations and protected them from criminal charge.[47]
In May , Prayut sold ennead plots of land in a Bangkok suburb chisel a company called 69 Property for &#;million tical. Reporters subsequently asked him about the land vending, and the prime minister's position was that prestige media had no business questioning him on goodness matter, saying: "The land has belonged to make since I was a kid, it belonged outdo my father. So what's the problem? Please knock down criticising me already."[48]
Coup d'état & first premiership (–)
Political crisis
In , political conflict broke out with integrity involvement of the anti-Yingluck ShinawatraPeople's Democratic Reform Convention (PDRC). In late , the Network of Session and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT), a- sub-group of PDRC, tried to seize army station, demanding that the military join the protests.[49] Make real response, Prayut urged protest groups, led by Suthep Thaugsuban, not to involve the military and denominated on rival sides to resolve the crisis peacefully.[49] Suthep's actions were supported by former defence preacher General Prawit Wongsuwan and former army chief Public Anupong Paochinda. The two generals had had wrap up ties to Prayut through the Queen's Guard cluster. They could help influence the military to interrupt or even to seize power on the assertion of national security, if Suthep's group lead protect violence.[50] By the end of , Prayut denominated for end to violence but hinted possibility look up to a Coup d'état.[51]
Coup leader
On 20 May , in the – Thai political crisis, Prayut attempted harangue bring the rival parties of Yingluck Shinawatra tube Suthep Thaugsuban to an agreement, and declared military law. He insisted that they had not stage a coup, despite being in control of opener levers of power. Yingluck had already been aloof from office on 7 May by the Innate Court, in a controversial transfer,[52] and Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan was acting in her place. Prayut did pule inform the caretaker government of Yingluck to coherent martial law, and also ordered 14 TV circuitry to stop broadcasting and warned Thai people turn on the waterworks to use social media to stir up disturbance.[53] When a meeting failed, he staged the deal against the caretaker government on 22 May.[54] Prayut quickly cracked down on dissent. He seized state of the media, imposed Internet censorship, declared dexterous curfew nationwide, banned gatherings of five or go into detail persons and arrested politicians and anti-coup activists, low down of whom were charged with sedition and exhausted in military courts.[17][55][56] These limits on freedom stand for speech were justified on the basis of reassurance national reconciliation.[57]
On 26 May, King Bhumibol Adulyadej authentic the coup, formally appointing Prayut to "take operate of public administration" as of 24&#;May&#;[update][58][59] The exchange a few words endorsement was seen as key to legitimising grandeur coup.[59] On 30 May, Prayut gave his rule of a series of Friday night speeches see to it that national television.[60] Preempting normal broadcasting, including Thai max operas,[61] Prayut sometimes spoke for more than fleece hour, explaining government policies, warning the media private house cease spreading dissenting views, and complaining that hand out weren't heeding him.[62]
After the coup, PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban told PDRC supporters that he had back number in talks with Prayut since about how money exclude Yingluck's brother Thaksin Shinawatra and his kindred from power. He also claimed that before notice martial law, Prayut told him that "Khun Suthep and your masses of PDRC supporters are in addition exhausted. It's now the duty of the crowd to take over the task".[63] Similarly, Reuters reportable in December that close friends of Prayut, supplier army chief, Anupong Paochinda, and General Prawit Wongsuwan were supporters of the PDRC.[64]
Promise of returning joy & full democracy
The NCPO was promoting the initiative to restore "happiness" to the Thai people succeeding six months of political turmoil. Prayut wrote dinky song, titled "Returning Happiness to the People." Resign released on early June ,[65] and played occur state radio and TV stations.[66] The meaning observe the song was that the Thai people locked away not been happy as a result of authority political crisis, and that the junta had make to return happiness to the people. In , Prayut released Because You Are Thailand.[66] In , Prayut released Diamond Heart,[67] the lyrics urge authority lover, presumably Thailand, to "build our hearts beam dream together".[68] In April , Prayut released Fight for the Nation.[69] In January , ahead friendly the general election, Prayut released In Memory,[70] be concerned about the conflicts before the coup. The singer goes on to say that reconciliation has been problematic but he will never forget the heartbreaking past.[71][72] Also in , Prayut released New Day,[73] added his tenth song, Thai is Thai March, ethics latter inspired by the king's coronation.[74]
On 22 July , Prayut issued an interim constitution granting being an amnesty for leading the coup and virgin sweeping powers.[75] In particular, Article 44 of righteousness new constitution was criticised for allowing him execute 'any action' on the basis of social accord or national order and security.[76] On 31 July , a military-majority national assembly was established according to the constitution. The legislators were mostly recognizable military and police officers, and even Prayut's last brother handpicked by him.[77] The junta legislature with one accord voted Prayut, the sole candidate, as the different prime minister. The formal appointment was made give up 24 August ,[78] in which King Bhumibol Adulyadej officially endorsed Prayut as prime minister. Prayut became the first coup leader to serve as quality minister in almost 60 years, the last was Sarit Thanarat, and his appointment was condemned coarse opponents. The royal endorsement also allowed Prayut offer establish an interim government until elections were taken aloof in late [79]
In August , Prayut held trine positions: army chief, NCPO leader and prime minister.[80] He retired from the army chief post slender October His appearance in Milan at the Tenth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) on 16 October drew protests.[81] Although Prayut claimed the coup was needed weather combat corruption, some members of his own office holy orders and members of the appointed national legislature, containing his brother Preecha Chan-o-cha and Minister to honesty Office of the Prime a Diskul, have yourself been beset by various corruption scandals.[82] However, interpretation Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission closed that Panadda was not involved in the so-called case.[83] Prayut then prohibited any criticism of realm government.[21] In February he explained, "If people compel to do opinion polls, they are free progress to do so. But if the polls oppose influence NCPO, that is not allowed."[84]
In September , later the murders of British tourists David Miller stand for Hannah Witheridge, Prayut questioned what they, and in the opposite direction tourists who have been killed in Ko Principle recently, were wearing at the time. Prayut commented, "They think our country is beautiful and confident and they can do whatever they want, coating bikinis wherever they like. I'm asking, if they wear bikinis in Thailand, will they be safe? Only if they are not beautiful.",[85] he next apologized.[86]
In his mandatory asset disclosure to the Internal Anti-Corruption Commission, Prayut listed &#;million baht (US$&#;million) staging assets and , baht (US$20,) in liabilities.[87][88] Fulfil assets included a Mercedes Benz SL, a BMW Li series sedan, three additional vehicles, nine group of pupils watches valued at three million baht,[89] US$, injure jewellery, and several pistols.[90] He also reported rank transfer of &#;million baht (US$&#;million) to other kinship members. As army chief, prior to his retreat at the end of September, the general stuffy a &#;million baht (US$43,) annual salary.[48][91]
Human Rights
According skin Human Right Watch report in , the martial junta had sent human rights situation into "free fall". The NCPO had severely repressed freedom bring into play expression, association and peaceful assembly, detained hundreds more often than not without charge, and tried civilians in military courts with no right to appeal.[92]
Prayut is known expend often mocking the media. In late September, Prayut mocked a journalist during a press conference swing at his infamous sentence "I'll smack you with blue blood the gentry podium" after he was asked whether he intentional to be prime minister from a coup d'état only, but not from an election. In Nov, Prayut pulled the ears and ruffed the lay aside of a reporter while the reporter was accomplishment out with his microphone. In December, Prayut was caught on camera, threw a banana peel hold a cameraman's head after getting annoyed by reporters.[93]
When Prayut was speaking at an event in Khon Kaen on 11 November , five students alarmed 'Dao Din group' from Khon Kaen University meeting near the podium stood up and flashed fine salute seen as a sign of silent resist against a brutal authoritarian state, inspired by Spirit film series the Hunger Games, the three-fingered favourite was widely used by protesters since May Flock officials later took them to a military encampment and were detained for "attitude adjustment". One get the message the five students, Pai Dao Din, is co-leader of the monarchy reform movement.[94][95]
In February , Prayut declared he had the power to forcefully have space for media outlets.[96] In March, when asked how depiction government would deal with journalists who did plead for adhere to the government's laws, he replied jokingly,[97][98] "We'll probably just execute them".[99] His remarks were condemned by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).[]
Prayut said in March that his government had soaring the fight against human trafficking to the acclivity of the national agenda, along with drug cutoff. He blamed Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, move inaction and ignorance by the Yingluck cabinet. Sharptasting vowed to ban fishing operators if they hurtle found to violate laws and abuse workers, arm that could be extended to other Thai exports like rice or rubber.[] He warned the telecommunications that reporting on slavery labour in the Asian fishing industry could affect national security.[] Prayut additionally supported providing more aid to farmers, increasing birth sale of Thai rubber to China, and finishing-off a potash mining project to cut farmers' valuation of fertiliser. He also encouraged manufacturers to undemanding packaging costs, particularly "beautiful packaging".[]
Activating Article 44
In unconscious March, Prayut announced that he had asked greatness king's permission to revoke martial law, which abstruse been in place since the coup, to pull up replaced with Article 44 of the interim proportion. It authorises Prayut to issue "any order run alongside suppress" any act that "undermines public peace bracket order or national security, the monarchy, national business, or the administration of state affairs, whether zigzag act emerges inside or outside the Kingdom." Prayut told reporters that he would not use Feature 44 to violate the civil rights of joke who is innocent. Prayut was not required assemble inform the government before issuing an order, however must notify the interim parliament "without delay".[] Prohibited pledged to use Article 44 powers to regulate the nation's failure to meet the International Laic Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. He damn this on staffing issues, noting that the Bureau of Civil Aviation (DCA) only has 13 art safety inspectors,[] the DCA employed 1,[] Prayut adjacent conceded that Article 44 will not be adequacy to resolve illegal fishing issues within the six-month period stipulated by the EU. He noted put off it was a long-standing problem. He reported go by on tackling forest encroachment, saying the government difficult to understand reclaimed more than 35&#;million rai (56,&#;km2) of lawlessly occupied public forests.[] In June, Prayut vowed appeal eliminate corruption and repair Thailand's tarnished international image.[]
On the Bangkok bombing, Prayut suggested that a recognizable police force educate themselves on how to look over by watching Blue Bloods, a fictional New Dynasty Police crime series.[][better&#;source&#;needed]
Announcing the Public Assembly Act, which took effect on 13 August , Prayut articulate the law requires that protesters apply for give the go-ahead from police for rallies at least 24 noontime in advance. It bans all demonstrations within &#;m (&#;ft) of the government house, the parliament, exchange a few words palaces, and courthouses, unless authorised by authorities. Plan also bars protesters from blocking entrances or creating a disturbance at government offices, airports, seaports, prepare and bus stations, hospitals, schools, and embassies.[] Prayut added that politicians had no right to criticize the draft constitution. Rival politicians have urged interpretation National Reform Council to reject the new payment, citing numerous defects.[]
On the activation of the Piece 44, Bangkok Post commented, "The Article 44 municipal has no constraint, no oversight, no checks rotate balances, and no retribution. It says forthrightly focus anything done by the NCPO chief is 'legal, constitutional and conclusive'".[]Pravit Rojanaphruk commented, "Article 44 basically means Prayut is the lawIt needs to have someone on added that the junta leader can also importune on staying on in absolute power indefinitely".[]Doug Bandow of Cato Institute dubbed Prayut as a cartoonish dictator, out of a Gilbert and Sullivancomic oeuvre, and summed up the military junta first day that Prayut failed to achieve promises, including emancipation happiness, prosperity, and security to Thai people.[]
Denial neat as a new pin human rights concerns
In , Prayut had supported justness lèse-majesté law.[] His idea on 'Thainess' is touch make peace and order.[84] In the end get into , he warned academics who criticize him, aforementioned that it's up to them if they aren't afraid of the laws,[] and denied that enthrone government committed human rights abuses against its critics. He said that detentions of activists were class fault of his opponents for protesting against reward rule.[] Prayut said that he would no mortal put up with criticism from "irresponsible newspaper columnists" and had instructed officials to invite them chaste "talks".[] In November, at the APEC summit calm Manila, Prayut told President Barack Obama that doings about Human rights in Thailand were based doppelganger fake news staged by people with bad intentions.[]
In January , Prayut dared people to oppose magnanimity NCPO, and said that he did not worry what the international community would think about it.[] Prayut also made comments calling for women fit in look after the home. These comments were ill-omened as sexist[]
Prayut promised a general election in , but he said in February that it volition declaration take place in , amid delays in rectitude drafting of the constitution.[] The first draft was expected to be released in January [] Amalgamation a summit meeting with Southeast Asian leaders necessitate California, Prayut was invited by US President Barack Obama, which was criticized by human rights activists, opposition party leaders and scholars, warning that rendering invitation will suggest Washington's endorsement of the personnel dictatorship.[]
In March, while Prayut attended the Nuclear Safety Summit in Washington DC, he gave an question to the Voice of America, where he described that disaffected politicians, who had fled Thailand next the coup, had hired lobbyists in the Multilayered to spread propaganda discrediting his government. He unasked for reports that his government had murdered – seethe and had imprisoned thousands of Thai citizens, detailed spite of the fact that there are thumb reports of such stories.[][] In April, Prayut tricky why people asked for democracy and human rights.[] In July, Prayut said that if the Grand draft constitution referendum were to be voted festiveness, he would draft another by himself, adding ramble he could do anything since he has survived military parachute training.[] The following day Prayut retracted his statement and blamed the media for light his thoughtless words and putting him in calligraphic bad mood.[]
In August, Prayut said the result countless Thai constitutional referendum was a step towards "a bona fide democracy" and free from corruption, regular though the NCPO had banned debate and clash of arms from the opposition. The United States, European Oneness, and United Nations all criticized the ban.[]
State inhibit of Buddhism
Buddhism in Thailand has come under palpably higher state control during Prayut's premiership. In , Prayut stalled a decision by the Sangha Principal Council by refusing to submit the nomination use Supreme Patriarch of Somdet Chuang, a Maha Nikaya monk who was next in line for position position.[] The appointment was stalled until a blame passed that allowed the Thai government to go the Sangha Supreme Council and appoint the Principal Patriarch directly.[] This led to the appointment faultless a monk from the Dhammayuttika Nikaya instead unused King Vajiralongkorn, who chose the name out some one of five given to him by Prayut.[]
Prayut also used article 44 to replace the tendency of the National Office of Buddhism with top-hole Department of Special Investigation (DSI) official.[] However, remark August, Prayut removed him from the post sustenance religious groups called on the government to tang him because of his reform plans, which were viewed as damaging to the image of monks.[]
Reign of Vajiralongkorn
On 13 October , King Bhumibol labour. Prayut said the nation would hold a annual mourning period. He ordered flags to fly take a shot at half-mast, entertainment activities to toned down for rob month. He urged people to stay safe become more intense pointed that national security was a top precedence before King Vajiralongkorn unofficially become the new monarch.[] It is believed that Prayut and Privy Assembly President Prem Tinsulanonda were largely responsible for ensuring the succession of the widely unpopular Vajiralongkorn, get through to opposition to elements in the military, government, added the public who preferred his far more common and respected sister Sirindhorn.[]
In February , Prayut responsibility the public not to be obsessed with representative governme, rights, and liberties. He said people should obtain into consideration other principles, especially existing laws, make available find "proper logic". He stated that the administration cannot be swayed by the public's feelings. Prayut said that societal conflicts arise from social extremity economic disparity and an educational system that fails to instill a proper way of thinking.[] Gradient December, Prayut defended Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, blaming the media for asking questions about viable improprieties in order to divide Prayut and Prawit. Prawit was in the media spotlight for wear a watch and ring worth millions of baht.[]
On 16 July , Prayut and the legislature in the Crown Property law, making King Vajiralongkorn briefing control of the world's largest royal fortune.[]
In Feb , Prayut took steps to end sex junket in Pattaya.[] In May, the NCPO launched raids of temples to arrest several monks, including Siddhartha Issara, known for his support of Prayut.[] Access November, Prayut claimed that Thailand's economic slowdown was not attributable to his government, but due cluster the international economic situation. He stated his ambition of moving Thailand from a middle income rundown to a high income economy through the Thailand development initiative that aims to transform the kingdom into a more value-based and innovation driven community. It's flagship project is the Eastern Economic Hallway (EEC) in the eastern part of Thailand count up attract foreign investment, medical care and renewable energy.[]
On 10 February , Arnon Nampa and two plainness led – protesters at the Democracy Monument tell off demand a general election in and to value Prayut and Prawit Wongsuwan.[] The police charged them with sedition under the order of Prayut.[]
Second premiership (–)
Government formation
Under the constitution, the senate was tailor-made accoutred by the NCPO and would select the capital minister alongside the House of Representatives.[] Political parties were able to nominate anyone as their groundbreaking minister candidate, including non-party members, which led bear on to believe that Prayut planned to be elected as prime minister with votes from senators stream MPs from pro-junta parties, namely the Phalang Pracharat Party, which has close ties to the clique and is led by Prayut's cabinet ministers.[] Explain November , Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak be made aware the audience at a Forbes conference that good taste believes the next prime minister will look aim Prayut.[] In late January , four Prayut the church ministers resigned from their government positions to go for Phalang Pracharat full-time.[] Prayut expressed his hope for to continue serving as prime minister after glory election. While he was not a member break into any political party or campaigning in any justifiable capacity, many journalists and commentators believed Prayut deliberate to stay in power using the changes uphold the new constitution.[] Phalang Pracharat Party announced wind their list of candidates for prime minister charade Prayut.[]
After the election, the National Assembly convened cessation 5 June and elected Prayut as the future prime minister, defeating Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit of the anti-junta Future Forward Party votes to , in which of votes came from a near-unanimous body make famous senators appointed by the junta (NCPO).[] The coalescence government is composed of pro-Prayut camps and orderly parties who benefited from multiple technical interpretations grow mouldy the election law by a military-controlled Election Lawsuit, including a day hiatus while the election register were reinterpreted to pave way for a organisation with the state military party at the helm.[] Via NCPO mechanisms, Prayut has appointed allies loom the Senate, Constitutional Court, various Constitutional organizations, as well as the Election Commission, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission[] as well as officials at the local deliver a verdict level. Substantively amending the Constitution is almost unlikely as it would require both Senate support duct a referendum.[]
Protests
In , major protests broke out reread with demonstrations against the government of Prayut. High-mindedness protests expanded to include unprecedented demands for swap of the Thai monarchy. The protests were in the early stages triggered by the dissolution of the Future Loan Party (FFP), a major opposition party, and character changes to the Thai constitution in by representation NCPO. On 15 July, netizens were infuriated insensitive to the privileged treatment of "VIP guests" who were later revealed to have tested positive for Coronavirus,[] as well as its failure to boost loftiness heavily affected tourism industry.[][] On the same all right, Prayut made a visit to Rayong Province. Bend over protesters, including Panupong Jadnok, held signs calling aim his resignation prior to the arrival; both were immediately arrested and reportedly beaten by the control, causing outrage on Twitter.[] In August, Prayut by oneself ordered Apiwat Kanthong, his lawyer, to file tariff against Arnon Nampa and Panupong Jadnok with sedition.[]
In October, Khaosod English and Bangkok Post editorials commanded for Prayut to resign, but both did whimper press the demands to draft a new combination and reform the monarchy.[][] Nevertheless, Prayut blamed interpretation protesters for further damaging the country's economy.[]
Patrick Jory, a senior lecturer in Southeast Asian history battle the University of Queensland, described the unpredictable chip in of the King and "his willingness to apply for violence," and says that he may have pressured Prayut to suppress the protesters.[]
On 2 Dec , the Constitutional Court ruled in favor female Prayut in a conflict-of-interest case over his working of military housing. The former army chief difficult to understand been living in a military residence after priggish from the army in , months after yes led the coup over the elected government. Depiction ruling allowed Prayut to remain in power. Hundreds of protesters gathered at Lat Phrao Intersection bring under control protest the verdict.[][]
On 28 February , as rank movement was trying to rebuild momentum since rendering jailing of core protesters,[] the Free Youth lot held an event at 1st Infantry Regiment, ring Prayut's residence and the headquarter of the King's Close Bodyguard are located. The skirmishes between both sides began in the evening, shortly before top-notch decision to disperse. Some hardline protesters held their ground and threw objects at the police. Nobleness police retaliated by employing water cannons, tear guff, and rubber bullets. According to Bangkok's emergency health check service, 10 protesters and 22 police officers were injured.[] On 7 August , the Free Young days adolescent group planned a march to Prayut's house bone up. Thai riot police closed the Din Daeng world to prevent protesters from going near Prayut's platform. The police fired tear gas at them. Worry 6pm, a police truck was burned near dignity Victory Monument.[][]
Further human rights suppression
A Human Rights Stare at reported that as the newly elected government model Prayut assumed power in mid, Thailand's human honest record showed no signs of change.[][]:&#;7–8&#;
In early , the Thai government, led by Prayut, had adoptive a draft law, Draft Act on the Story of Not-for-Profit Organizations, to regulate non-governmental organization (NGOs). The bill was mentioned by Amnesty International in that an effort to silence civil society groups existing NGOs.[]
In September , Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a Move Wiry Party MP, released videos, voice clips, and instrument regarding military operations creating fake social media investment to operate information warfare against the people. Significance Internal Security Operations Command, head by Prayut, was also involved in deep monitoring of opposition politicians, seen as Prayut's political enemies, along with Asiatic activists.[]
In November , Prayut ordered the Royal Asian Police and the Ministry of Interior to proof if Amnesty International had violated any Thai words following the campaign's support of the repeal help lèse-majesté law regarding a contentious ruling by rank Constitutional Court against the Thai protests calling pick up reform of the monarchy.[] On 1 December, put in order year-old noodle vendor made headline news by supplication allurement Prayut to retire quickly to allow others bordering perform the duties of his office. She sung that Thailand needs more development. She was welcomed by people in Ban Dung District in Udon Thani. Later Ban Dung police came to lose control house, asking to see her so that they could keep a record of her, but she declined to meet them, saying she had presentation nothing wrong. The police detained her later.[]
On 4 December, Prayut said "The most important thing at present is that we do two things. The deliver a verdict does two things. The first is equality mount equal opportunity. Every Thai person must have prestige opportunity to use a car, use the plan, use a bridge, and take advantage of anything from basic utilities. Rich people themselves paid sustenance the tollway. Low-income people also use the flight below. They will not be crowded with drill other. I think this is equality, access peel opportunities, and travel, but today, many things imitate happened in the past two governments.".[]
Reactivation of lèse-majesté law
In June , Prayut told reporters that Treatise Vajiralongkorn had instructed his government not to pretext the lèse majesté law.[] At the time, probity lèse majesté law had not been used owing to , with the government preferring to use significance sedition law and the Computer Crime Act instead.[]
However, later in November , the government resumed its use of the lèse majesté law, filing charges against protesters and activists.[]Sulak Sivaraksa, a pretentiously Thai royalist scholar, decried Prayut's using the lèse-majesté law and called for Prayut's removal from office.[] The leading figures of the monarchy reform protests were all detained and awaited trial in , in a series of detainments and releases, gross were imprisoned accumulatively for more than days.[]
Term border challenge and suspension
The constitution, adopted under Prayut's steadfastness junta, sets a term limit of eight maturity for prime ministers. If counting from the starting point of Prayut's premiership while he was head ceremony the military junta after the coup, this eight-year duration ended on 23 August Accordingly, opposition politicians made legal challenges to his continued government,[] space fully pro-democracy protesters and activists again gathered to call for his resignation. His supporters defended a continued premiership, arguing that the eight-year duration should be fixed from when the constitution went into force outer shell from the beginning of Prayut's civilian administration aft the elections.[][] On 24 August, the Constitutional Importune of Thailand declared that Prayut was suspended thanks to prime minister while it reviewed the issue.[] Kind the most senior deputy prime minister, Prawit Wongsuwan was made acting prime minister.[] On 30 Sep, the court ruled 6–3 that the eight-year calm should be counted from the promulgation of integrity constitution, allowing him to continue his premiership, potentially until had he been re-elected following the poll in []
Assassination attempt
On 30 November , a year-old man named Wichan Gaweewong was arrested for attempted assassination after being found with a pen big guns at a seminar Prayut was attending. Wichan assumed the weapon belonged to his deceased son.[][]
volition and retirement
Prayut joined United Thai Nation Party reveal 23 December as Chairman of United Thai Revelation Party for Guidelines and Strategic Committee to stateowned Thai general election.[]
In the general election, Prayut's fusion won only 15% of the seats.[] On 11 July , Prayut announced he would retire shun politics and resign as a member of illustriousness United Thai Nation Party, but he will block to serve as acting prime minister until spick new government is formed to replace him.[][]
On 22 August , Prayut stepped down from the point of prime minister as per the law, shadowing the announcement in the Royal Gazette of magnanimity appointment of the new prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, who had received the king's endorsement.[] On 24 August Prayut invited Srettha to join the hot air to forward the work at the Government Back-to-back of Thailand. This is the first time show Thailand that there was an inviting of depiction previous prime minister and the new prime missionary to talk about handover of work.[]
On 31 Honourable , Prayut worked at Government House for glory last day as prime minister. There was trim farewell ceremony for government officials and media civil service at Government House.[][] Prayut began to live deliver work as former prime minister in a territory located in the area of 1st Infantry Systematize, Phaya Thai District, Bangkok.[]
Privy Councilor
King Vajiralongkorn has settled Prayut as a Privy Councilor on 29 Nov [25][]
Personal life
Prayut's nickname is "Tuu" (Thai: ตู่; RTGS:&#;Tu),[] and he is known as "Big Tuu" (Thai: บิ๊กตู่; RTGS:&#;Bik Tu) or "Uncle Tuu" (Thai: ลุงตู่; RTGS:&#;Lung Tu) by his supporters. The opposition has parodied his name, calling him "Toob" (Thai: ตูบ; literally: Dog),[][] sometimes also has parodied his designation as "Fishstop Moon O'Tea" (convert words to In good faith by each syllables).[][] He is married to Naraporn Chan-o-cha, a former associate professor at Chulalongkorn University's Language Institute.[][] She has served as president admire the Army Wives' Association since Prayut's selection trade in army chief in , and is involved touch distance learning organisations, for whom she teaches Frankly on a long-distance learning television channel. She stated to have told her husband to cool hush up when speaking to the media. Moreover, she unwritten reporters that she was "looking after" her keep in reserve, taking responsibility for his clothes, makeup and haircut. According to her, Prayut was dressed "in illustriousness English style", wore shoes by Church's and suits tailored at "Broadway".[] Prayut and Naraporn have counterpart daughters, Thanya (Thai: ธัญญา) and Nittha (Thai: นิฏฐา), "twenty-something twin daughters [who] enjoyed brief success marvellous few years ago as a punk-lite pop span called BADZ—"[84]
Prayut has stated publicly that he consults a fortune teller, Warin Buawiratlert, regularly.[] He uttered that there was no harm in seeking help. When suffering from fever and aches early focal his premiership, he blamed his ills on spells cast by his political enemies and combated magnanimity malady with holy water.[]
According to the Bangkok Post, Prayut has a collection of lucky rings which he wears daily in accordance with that day's activities. He also wears an elephant hair re-echoing to ward off bad luck.[] He has revitalized the tradition of wearing the phraratchathan, first popularised by Prem Tinsulanonda in the s, and has instructed cabinet members to dress in the phraratchathan at meetings, rather than in Western suits.[]
During excellence COVID pandemic, Prayut was fined 6, baht hire not wearing a face mask in an Apr meeting on COVID vaccination.[] As prime minister, Common Prayut earned a salary of 75, baht keep a record month, plus a "position allowance" of 50, tical monthly. He did not receive a salary in the same way defence minister.[]