Wikipedia

Prayut Chan-o-cha

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Ministerboy (talk | contribs) at 01:54, 8 April 2022 (Undid revision 1081517057 by Tartan357 (talk) Not agree, Niwatthamrong truly hold the office, and isn't a historical footnote. He hold the office due to this reference : https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Acting-Thai-prime-minister-s-election-plan-facing-challenge). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Prayut Chan-o-cha (sometimes spelled Prayuth Chan-ocha; Template:Lang-th, pronounced [prā.jút tɕān.ʔōː.tɕʰāː]; born 21 March 1954) is a Thai politician and a retired Royal Thai Army officer,[3] who seized power as Prime Minister of Thailand in 2014. He has also served as Minister of Defence since 2019.[4] Prayut served as chief of the Thai army from 2010 to 2014[5][6] and lead the 2014 Thai coup d'état which installed the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the military junta which governed Thailand between 22 May 2014 and 10 July 2019.

His Excellency[1]
Prayut Chan-o-cha
MPCh MWM TChW
ประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา
Prayut in 2019
Prime Minister of Thailand
Incumbent
Assumed office
24 August 2014
MonarchsBhumibol Adulyadej
Maha Vajiralongkorn
Deputy
See list
Preceded byNiwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan (Acting)
Minister of Defence
Incumbent
Assumed office
10 July 2019
Prime MinisterHimself
Preceded byPrawit Wongsuwan
Leader of the National Council for Peace and Order
In office
22 May 2014 – 16 July 2019
Appointed byBhumibol Adulyadej[2]
DeputyPrawit Wongsuwan
Thanasak Patimaprakorn
Narong Pipathanasai
Prajin Juntong
Adul Sangsingkeo
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byPosition abolished
Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Army
In office
1 October 2010 – 30 September 2014
Preceded byAnupong Paochinda
Succeeded byUdomdej Sitabutr
Personal details
Born (1954-03-21) 21 March 1954 (age 70)
Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Political partyIndependent
Other political
affiliations		Palang Pracharath Party
(2018–present)
Spouse
​
(m. 1984)​
Children
  • Tanya
  • Nittha
Alma materNational Defence College
Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
Signature
NicknameTuu
Military service
Allegiance Thailand
Branch Royal Thai Army
Service years1987–2014
RankGeneral
Commands

After his appointment as army chief in 2010, Prayut was characterised as a royalist and an opponent of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.[7] Considered a hardliner within the military, he was one of the leading proponents of military crackdowns on the Red Shirt demonstrations of April 2009 and April–May 2010.[8][9] He later sought to moderate his profile, talking to relatives of protesters who were killed in the bloody conflict,[10] and co-operating with the government of Yingluck Shinawatra[11] who won parliamentary elections in July 2011.

During the political crisis that began in November 2013 and involved protests against the caretaker government of Yingluck, Prayut claimed that the army was neutral[12] and would not launch a coup. However, in May 2014, Prayut launched a military coup against the government and assumed control of the country as dictator and leader of the National Council for Peace and Order, a military junta.[13] He later issued an interim constitution granting himself sweeping powers and giving himself amnesty for staging the coup.[14] In August 2014, an unelected military-dominated national legislature appointed him as Prime Minister.[15][16]

After seizing power, Prayut's government oversaw a significant crackdown on dissent.[17] He formulated “twelve values” based on traditional Thai values and suggested that these be included in school lessons.[18][19][20] Measures were implemented to limit public discussions about democracy and criticism of the government, including increases in Internet and media censorship.[21] Prayut was re-elected as Prime Minister of Thailand following the disputed 2019 Thai general election.[22] Prayut later used Thailand's lèse-majesté laws, which are unusually strict, to prosecute protesters. Many co-leaders have been detained throughout 2021.

Early life and education

Born to an army Colonel, Prapat Chan-o-cha, native from Bangkok, and a school teacher, Khemphet Chan-o-cha, native from Chaiyaphum province, he was the eldest child of four siblings.[23] He studied at Sahakit School in Lopburi (Now known as Lopburi Technical college), where his mother taught. For junior highschool, he spent only a year at Phibulwitthayalai Lopburi School because his father, an army officer, moved often. Then at the grade 8, he moved to Wat Nuannoradit School in Phasi Charoen, where he was selected as one of the best students in a student magazine.[24]

In 1971, Prayut spent his senior highschool year at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School (AFAPS) Class 12, and in 1976, became a cadet at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy Class 23. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree. While in the academy, he finished Infantry Officer Basic Course Class 51 in his first year and Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Class 34 in 1981. Before started his military career, he graduated from Command and General Staff College (CGSC) Class 63 in 1985.[25]

Military career

Queen's Guards (1987–2010)

After graduating from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Prayut started his career as a Major. He was a royal guard under Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda in 1987.[26] Three years later, Prayut served in the 21st Infantry Regiment, which is granted Royal Guard status as the Queen's Guards (Template:Lang-th; lit. Queen's Musketeer). In 2002, he served as a deputy commanding general in the 2nd Infantry Division, becoming its commanding general one year later. In 2005, he became a deputy commanding general of the 1st Army, which included the 2nd Infantry Division. He was seen as one of the leaders of the alliance behind the 2006 Thai coup d'état.[27]

Like his direct predecessor, Anupong Paochinda, and former defence minister Prawit Wongsuwan, Prayut is a member of the army's "eastern tigers" faction. Most of them, like Prayut, began their military careers in the 2nd Infantry Division, headquartered in eastern Thailand, particularly in the 21st Infantry Regiment (Queen's Guards).[28][29][30][31]

After the 2006 Thai coup d'état, Prayut was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly. In this capacity, he joined the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. Prayut sits on the executive boards of a number of companies including a state electricity utility company, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA). From 2007 to 2010 he was independent director at Thai Oil Public Co, Ltd. Since 7 October 2010 he has been a director of Thai Military Bank[25] and chairman of the Army United Football Club. Prayut attended management course in the National Defence College of Thailand (NDC) Class 20, in 2007. He was the chief of staff of the Royal Thai Army from 2008 to 2009, and in 2009 he was appointed honorary adjutant to the king.

Army chief (2010–2014)

In 2010, he succeeded Anupong Paochinda as commander in chief.[25][32] On taking over, Prayut had stated that his mandates would be to maintain Thailand's sovereignty and to protect the monarchy. His uncommon promotion was seen as a revealealing of the influence of the Queen's Guards.[27]

Amid the 2010 Thai political protests, Prayut was the part of executive of the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situations (CRES), a special government 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 of the violent 2010 Thai military crackdown before Prayut stepped up to replace Anupong. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a visiting scholar at Stanford University's Centre on Democracy, commented that Prayut was seen as more hardline than Anupong, and in April 2009, during the red shirts' uprising, Anupong was nominally in charge but Prayut appeared to be directing the dispersing the red shirt protesters.[33]

Prayut had led the CRES from 5 October to 21 December 2010, in which he used authoritarian methods to control a political situation. The CRES banned symbolic political-dividing products such as Prime Minister Abhisit face on a sandal.[34][35] After the CRES dissolved, in 2011, Prayut became part of the opposition to Yingluck Shinawatra's Pheu Thai Party in the 2011 Thai general election. He told the media that he stood in the middle, but urged Thai people not to vote for Pheu Thai, saying it would lead to "chaos and violence".[36] He intended to stop a violation of monarchy defamation law by red shirts activists who support Yingluck. He vowed to sacrifice his life to protect the monarchy.[37] Before the election date, he urged the people to vote for the party that would protect the monarchy.[38] Eventually, Pheu Thai Party won the election in a landslide. Pavin Chachavalpongpun called on Yingluck to sack Prayut, in order to remind the military to stay out of politics.[39]

 
Prayut in Royal Guards uniform, 2011

In the late 2011, Prayut heavily criticised the Nitirat group, led by Worachet Pakeerut and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, who campaigned for constitutional reform and a change of Thailand's lèse majesté law. Prayut warned them that they would violate the rule of law in Thailand.[40]

 
Prayut (left) meets US General Martin Dempsey (right) during his visit to Bangkok (2012)

In July 2012, during the GT200 controversy, a fraudulent "remote substance detector", Prayut opined that soldiers were confident of the effectiveness of the technology, because it performed well in the field. This was contrary to the outcomes of scientific tests by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).[41] Later, in 2013, Prayut asked people to stop criticizing it.[42]

In August 2012, Prayut sued Robert Amsterdam, a lawyer representing the UDD and exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Amsterdam’s translator, who delivered a speech at a Red Shirt rally in Bangkok, on Thai military defamation. Amsterdam alleged the Thai military committed brutality against demonstrators. Prayut also told the DSI to stop implicating soldiers in the killing of Red Shirt demonstrators during the 2010 Thai military crackdown and not to disclose publicly the progress of its investigations. Prayut had denied any army abuses in which at least 98 people died and more than 2,000 were injured, despite on scene witnesses and evidence. Prayut said that soldiers did not kill anyone during the conflicts. He argued that soldiers seen in photos and videos armed with telescopic rifles were not 'snipers,' but were only using them for self-defense.[43] He also adopted a policy that soldiers could be regarded as witnesses in the investigations and protected them from criminal charge.[44]

 
Gen. Prayut Chan-O-Cha, commander in chief of the Royal Thai Army in 2013

In May 2013, Prayut sold nine plots of land in a Bangkok suburb to a company called 69 Property for 600 million baht. Reporters subsequently asked him about the land sale, and the prime minister's position was that the media had no business questioning him on the matter, saying: "The land has belonged to me since I was a kid, it belonged to my father. So what's the problem? Please stop criticising me already."[45]

Coup d'état & first premiership (2014–2019)

File:2014 Thai coup TV statement.png
On 22 May 2014, in public TV statement, Prayut Chan-ocha, in the middle, announced on taking control of the government and suspended the constitution.

Political crisis

In 2013-14, political conflict broke out with the involvement of the anti-Yingluck Shinawatra People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC). In late 2013, the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT), a sub-group of PDRC, tried to seize army headquarters, demanding that the military join the protests.[46] In response, Prayut urged protest groups, led by Suthep Thaugsuban, not to involve the military and called on rival sides to resolve the crisis peacefully.[46] Suthep's actions were supported by former defence minister General Prawit Wongsuwan and former army chief General Anupong Paochinda. The two generals had had close ties to Prayut through the Queen's Guard unit. They could help influence the military to intervene or even to seize power on the excuse of national security, if Suthep’s group lead to violence.[47] By the end of 2013, Prayut called for end to violence but hinted possibility of a Coup d'état.[48]

Coup leader

On 20 May 2014, amid the 2013–2014 Thai political crisis, Prayut attempted to bring the rival parties of Yingluck Shinawatra and Suthep Thaugsuban to an agreement, and declared martial law. He insisted that they had not staged a coup, despite being in control of key levers of power. Yingluck had already been removed from office on 7 May by the Constitutional Court, in a controversial transfer,[49] and Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan was acting in her place. Prayut did not inform the caretaker government of Yingluck to declare martial law, and also ordered 14 TV channels to stop broadcasting and warned Thai people not to use social media to stir up disturbance.[50] When a meeting failed, he staged the coup against the caretaker government on 22 May.[51] Prayut quickly cracked down on dissent. He seized control of the media, imposed Internet censorship, declared a curfew nationwide, banned gatherings of five or more persons and arrested politicians and anti-coup activists, some of whom were charged with sedition and tried in military courts.[17][52][53] These limits on freedom of speech were justified on the basis of promoting national reconciliation.[54]

On 26 May, King Bhumibol Adulyadej endorsed the coup, formally appointing Prayut to "take charge of public administration" as of 24 May.[55][56] The royal endorsement was seen as key to legitimising the coup.[56] On 30 May, Prayut gave his first of a series of Friday night speeches on national television.[57] Preempting normal broadcasting, including Thai soap operas,[58] Prayut sometimes spoke for more than an hour, explaining government policies, warning the media to cease spreading dissenting views, and complaining that people weren't heeding him.[59]

After the coup, PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban told PDRC supporters that he had been in talks with Prayut since 2010 about how to exclude Yingluck's brother Thaksin Shinawatra and his family from power. He also claimed that before declaring martial law, Prayut told him that "Khun Suthep and your masses of PDRC supporters are too exhausted. It's now the duty of the army to take over the task".[60] Similarly, Reuters reported in December 2013 that close friends of Prayut, former army chief, Anupong Paochinda, and General Prawit Wongsuwan were supporters of the PDRC.[61]

Promise of returning happiness & full democracy

The NCPO was promoting the campaign to restore "happiness" to the Thai people following six months of political turmoil. Prayut wrote a song, titled "Returning Happiness to the People." It released on early June 2014,[62] and played on state radio and TV stations.[63] The meaning of the song was that the Thai people had not been happy as a result of the political crisis, and that the junta had come to return happiness to the people. In 2016, Prayut released Because You Are Thailand.[63] In 2018, Prayut released Diamond Heart,[64] the lyrics urge his lover, presumably Thailand, to "...build our hearts and dream together....".[65] In April 2018, Prayut released Fight for the Nation.[66] In January 2019, ahead of the general election, Prayut released In Memory,[67] about the conflicts before the coup. The singer goes on to say that reconciliation has been difficult but he will never forget the heartbreaking past.[68][69] Also in 2019, Prayut released New Day,[70] and his tenth song, Thai is Thai March, the latter inspired by the king's coronation.[71]

On 22 July 2014, Prayut issued an interim constitution granting himself an amnesty for leading the coup and new sweeping powers.[72] In particular, Article 44 of the new constitution was criticised for allowing him undertake 'any action' on the basis of social harmony or national order and security.[73] On 31 July 2014, a military-majority national assembly was established according to the constitution. The legislators were mostly senior military and police officers, and even Prayut's younger brother handpicked by him.[74] The junta legislature unanimously voted Prayut, the sole candidate, as the new prime minister. The formal appointment was made on 24 August 2014,[75] in which King Bhumibol Adulyadej officially endorsed Prayut as prime minister. Prayut became the first coup leader to serve as prime minister in almost 60 years, the last was Sarit Thanarat, and his appointment was condemned by opponents. The royal endorsement also allowed Prayut to establish an interim government until elections were held in late 2015.[76]

 
Prayut and Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, then Minister of Tourism and Sports

In August 2014, Prayut held three positions: army chief, NCPO leader, and prime minister.[77] He retired from the army chief post in October 2014. His appearance in Milan at the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) on 16 October 2014 drew protests.[78] Although Prayut claimed the coup was needed to combat corruption, some members of his own cabinet and members of the appointed national legislature, including his brother Preecha Chan-o-cha and Minister to the Office of the Prime Minister M.L. Panadda Diskul, have themselves been beset by various corruption scandals.[79] However, the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission concluded that Panadda was not involved in the alleged case.[80] Prayut then prohibited any criticism of his government.[21] In February 2015 he explained, "If people want to do opinion polls, they are free to do so. But if the polls oppose the NCPO, that is not allowed."[81]

In September 2014, following the murders of British tourists David Miller and Hannah Witheridge, Prayut questioned what they, and other tourists who have been killed in Ko Tao recently, were wearing at the time. Prayut commented, "They think our country is beautiful and safe and they can do whatever they want, wear bikinis wherever they like. I'm asking, if they wear bikinis in Thailand, will they be safe? Only if they are not beautiful."[82], he later apologized.[83]

In his mandatory asset disclosure to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Prayut listed 128.6 million baht (US$3.9 million) in assets and 654,745 baht (US$20,000) in liabilities.[84][85] His assets included a Mercedes Benz S600L, a BMW 740Li series sedan, three additional vehicles, nine luxury watches valued at three million baht,[86] US$200,000 in jewellery, and several pistols.[87] He also reported the transfer of 466.5 million baht (US$14.3 million) to other family members. As army chief, prior to his retirement at the end of September, the general received a 1.4 million baht (US$43,000) annual salary.[45][88]

Human Rights

According to Human Right Watch report in 2015, the military junta had sent human rights situation into "free fall". The NCPO had severely repressed freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, detained hundreds mostly without charge, and tried civilians in military courts with no right to appeal.[89]

Prayut is known for often mocking the media. In late September, Prayut mocked a journalist during a press conference with his infamous sentence "I’ll smack you with the podium" after he was asked whether he intended to be Prime Minister from a coup d’état only, but not from an election. In November, Prayut pulled the ears and ruffed the hair of a reporter while the reporter was reaching out with his microphone. In December, Prayut was caught on camera, threw a banana peel at a cameraman’s head after getting annoyed by reporters.[90]

When Prayut was speaking at an event in Khon Kaen on 11 November 2014, five students called 'Dao Din group' from Khon Kaen University sitting near the podium stood up and flashed a salute seen as a sign of silent dissent against a brutal authoritarian state, inspired by Hollywood film series the Hunger Games, the three-fingered salute was widely used by protesters since May 2014. Army officials later took them to a military camp and were detained for "attitude adjustment". One of the five students, Pai Dao Din, is co-leader of the monarchy reform movement.[91][92]

In February 2015, Prayut declared he had the power to forcefully close media outlets.[93] In March, when asked how the government would deal with journalists who did not adhere to the government's laws, he replied jokingly,[94][95] "We'll probably just execute them"[96] His remarks were condemned by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).[97]

Prayut said in March that his government had elevated the fight against human trafficking to the top of the national agenda, along with drug suppression. He blamed Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, on inaction and ignorance by the Yingluck cabinet. He vowed to ban fishing operators if they are found to violate laws and abuse workers, and that could be extended to other Thai exports like rice or rubber.[98] He warned the media that reporting on slavery labour in the Thai fishing industry could affect national security.[99] Prayut also supported providing more aid to farmers, increasing the sale of Thai rubber to China, and completing a potash mining project to cut farmers' cost of fertiliser. He also encouraged manufacturers to cut packaging costs, particularly "beautiful packaging".[100]

Activating Article 44

In late March, Prayut announced that he had asked the king's permission to revoke martial law, which had been in place since the coup, to be replaced with Article 44 of the interim constitution. It authorises Prayut to issue "any order to suppress" any act that "undermines public peace and order or national security, the monarchy, national economics, or the administration of state affairs, whether that act emerges inside or outside the Kingdom." Prayut told reporters that he would not use Article 44 to violate the civil rights of anyone who is innocent. Prayut was not required to inform the government before issuing an order, but must notify the interim parliament "without delay".[101] He pledged to use Article 44 powers to address the nation's failure to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. He blamed this on staffing issues, noting that the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) only has 13 aviation safety inspectors, [102] the DCA employed 1,514.[103] Prayut later conceded that Article 44 will not be enough to resolve illegal fishing issues within the six-month period stipulated by the EU. He noted that it was a long-standing problem. He reported progress on tackling forest encroachment, saying the government had reclaimed more than 35 million rai (56,000 km2) of illegally occupied public forests.[104] In June, Prayut vowed to eliminate corruption and repair Thailand's tarnished international image.[105]

On the 2015 Bangkok bombing, Prayut suggested that a senior police force educate themselves on how to investigate by watching Blue Bloods, a fictional New York Police crime series.[106][better source needed]

Announcing the Public Assembly Act, which took effect on 13 August 2015, Prayut said the law requires that protesters apply for permission from police for rallies at least 24 hours in advance. It bans all demonstrations within 150 m (500 ft) of the government house, the parliament, royal palaces, and courthouses, unless authorised by authorities. It also bars protesters from blocking entrances or creating a disturbance at government offices, airports, seaports, train and bus stations, hospitals, schools, and embassies. [107] Prayut added that politicians had no right to criticise the draft constitution. Rival politicians have urged the National Reform Council to reject the new charter, citing numerous defects. [108]

On the activation of the Article 44, Bangkok Post commented, "The Article 44 section has no constraint, no oversight, no checks or balances, and no retribution. It says forthrightly that anything done by the NCPO chief is 'legal, constitutional and conclusive'".[109] Pravit Rojanaphruk commented, "Article 44 essentially means Prayut is the law...It needs to be added that the junta leader can also insist on staying on in absolute power indefinitely".[110] Doug Bandow of Cato Institute dubbed Prayut as a cartoonish dictator, out of a Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera, and summed up the military junta first year that Prayut failed to achieve promises, including delivering happiness, prosperity, and security to Thai people.[111]

Denial of human rights concerns

In 2015, Prayut had supported the lèse-majesté law.[112] His idea on 'Thainess' is to make peace and order.[81] In the end of 2015, he warned academics who criticize him, said that it's up to them if they aren't afraid of the laws,[113] and denied that his government committed human rights abuses against its critics. He said that detentions of activists were the fault of his opponents for protesting against his rule.[114] Prayut said that he would no longer put up with criticism from "irresponsible newspaper columnists" and had instructed officials to invite them for "talks".[115] In November, at the APEC summit at Manila, Prayut told President Barack Obama that concerns about Human rights in Thailand were based on fake news staged by people with bad intentions.[116]

File:С Премьер-министром Королевства Таиланд Праютом Чан-Очой.jpg
Prayut with Russian President Vladimir Putin 2016

In January 2016, Prayut dared people to oppose the NCPO, and said that he did not care what the international community would think about it.[117] Prayut also make comments calling for women to look after the home. These comments were condemned as sexist[118]

Prayut promised a general election in 2015, but he said in February 2016 that it will take place in 2017, amid delays in the drafting of the constitution.[119] The first draft was expected to be released in January 2016.[120] At a summit meeting with Southeast Asian leaders in California, Prayut was invited by US President Barack Obama, which was criticized by human rights activists, opposition party leaders and scholars, warning that the invitation will suggest Washington’s endorsement of the military dictatorship.[121]

In March, while Prayut attended the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington DC, he gave an interview to the Voice of America, where he claimed that disaffected politicians, who had fled Thailand following the 2014 coup, had hired lobbyists in the US to spread propaganda discrediting his government. He cited reports that his government had murdered 400-500 journalists and had imprisoned thousands of Thai citizens, in spite of the fact that there are no reports of such stories.[122][123] In April, Prayut questioned why people asked for democracy and human rights.[124] In July, Prayut said that if the August draft constitution referendum were to be voted down, he would draft another by himself, adding that he could do anything since he has survived military parachute training.[125] The following day Prayut retracted his statement and blamed the media for highlighting his thoughtless words and putting him in a bad mood.[126]

In August, Prayut said the result of 2016 Thai constitutional referendum was a step towards "a bona fide democracy" and free from corruption, even though the NCPO had banned debate and campaigning from the opposition. The United States, European Union, and United Nations all criticized the ban.[127]

State control of Buddhism

Buddhism in Thailand has come under significantly higher state control during Prayut's premiership. In 2016, Prayut stalled a decision by the Sangha Supreme Council by refusing to submit the nomination for Supreme Patriarch of Somdet Chuang, a Maha Nikaya monk who was next in line for the position.[128] The appointment was stalled until a law passed that allowed the Thai government to bypass the Sangha Supreme Council and appoint the Supreme Patriarch directly.[129] This led to the appointment of a monk from the Dhammayuttika Nikaya instead by King Vajiralongkorn, who chose the name out of one of five given to him by Prayut.[130]

Prayut also used article 44 to replace the head of the National Office of Buddhism with a Department of Special Investigation (DSI) official.[131] However, in August, Prayut removed him from the post after religious groups called on the government to fire him because of his reform plans, which were viewed as damaging to the image of monks.[132]


Reign of Vajiralongkorn

 
Prayut with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, 2017
 
Prayut with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Bangkok, 2017

On 13 October 2016, King Bhumibol passed away. Prayut said the nation would hold a one-year mourning period. He ordered flags to fly at half-mast, entertainment activities to toned down for one month. He urged people to stay safe and pointed that national security was a top priority before King Vajiralongkorn unofficially become the new monarch.[133]

In February 2017, Prayut asked the public not to be obsessed with democracy, rights, and liberties. He said people should take into consideration other principles, especially existing laws, to find "proper logic". He stated that the government cannot be swayed by the public's feelings. Prayut said that societal conflicts arise from social and economic disparity and an educational system that fails to instill a proper way of thinking.[134] In December, Prayut defended Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, blaming the media for asking questions about possible improprieties in order to divide Prayut and Prawit. Prawit was in the media spotlight for wearing a watch and ring worth millions of baht.[135]

On 16 July 2017, Prayut and the legislature issued the Crown Property law, making King Vajiralongkorn in control of the world’s largest royal fortune.[136]

 
Prayut with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 2018

In February 2018, Prayut took steps to end sex tourism in Pattaya.[137] In May, the NCPO launched raids of temples to arrest several monks, including Buddha Issara, known for his support of Prayut.[138] In November, Prayut claimed that Thailand's economic slowdown was not attributable to his government, but due to the international economic situation. He stated his goal of moving Thailand from a middle income economy to a high income economy through the Thailand 4.0 development initiative that aims to transform the country into a more value-based and innovation driven society. It's flagship project is the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in the eastern part of Thailand to attract foreign investment, medical care and renewable energy.[139]

On 10 February 2018, Arnon Nampa and two others led 200-500 protesters at the Democracy Monument to demand a general election in 2018 and to criticize Prayut and Prawit Wongsuwan.[140] The police charged them with sedition under the order of Prayut.[141]

Second Premiership (2019–)

Coalition government

File:Prayut Chan-o-cha in BTS skytrain propaganda similar to North Korea 03.jpg
Propaganda showing Prayut on BTS Skytrain in a propaganda style

Under the 2017 constitution, the senate was appointed by the NCPO and would select the prime minister alongside the House of Representatives.[142] Political parties were able to nominate anyone as their prime minister candidate, including non-party members, which led commentators to believe that Prayut planned to be selected as prime minister with votes from 250 senators and MPs from pro-junta parties, namely the Phalang Pracharat Party, which has close ties to the junta and is led by Prayut's cabinet ministers.[143] In November 2018, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak told the audience at a Forbes conference that he believes the next prime minister will look like Prayut.[144] In late January 2019, four Prayut cabinet ministers resigned from their government positions to work for Phalang Pracharat full-time.[145] Prayut expressed his desire to continue serving as prime minister after the election. While he was not a member of any political party or campaigning in any official capacity, many journalists and commentators believed Prayut intended to stay in power using the changes in the new constitution.[146] Phalang Pracharat Party announced that their list of candidates for prime minister included Prayut.[147]

After the 2019 election, the National Assembly convened on 5 June and elected Prayut as the next prime minister, defeating Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit of the anti-junta Future Forward Party 500 votes to 244, in which 249 of 500 votes came from a near-unanimous body of senators appointed by the junta (NCPO).[148] The coalition government is composed of pro-Prayut camps and smaller parties who benefited from multiple technical interpretations of the election law by a military-controlled Election Commission, including a 44-day hiatus while the election laws were reinterpreted to pave way for a coalition with the state military party at the helm.[149] Via NCPO mechanisms, Prayut has appointed allies to the Senate, Constitutional Court, various Constitutional organizations, including the Election Commission, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission[150] as well as officials at the local government level. Substantively amending the Constitution is almost impossible as it would require both Senate support and a referendum.[151]

Protests

In 2020, major protests broke out again with demonstrations against the government of Prayut. The protests expanded to include unprecedented demands for reform of the Thai monarchy. The protests were initially triggered by the dissolution of the Future Forward Party (FFP), a major opposition party, and the changes to the Thai constitution in 2017 by the NCPO. On 15 July, netizens were infuriated by the privileged treatment of "VIP guests" who were later revealed to have tested positive for Coronavirus,[152] as well as its failure to boost the heavily effected tourism industry.[153][154] On the same day, Prayut made a visit to Rayong Province. Two protesters, including Panupong Jadnok, held signs calling for his resignation prior to the arrival; both were immediately arrested and reportedly beaten by the police, causing outrage on Twitter.[155] In August, Prayut personally ordered Apiwat Kanthong, his lawyer, to file charges against Arnon Nampa and Panupong Jadnok with sedition.[156]

In October, Khaosod English and Bangkok Post editorials called for Prayut to resign, but both did not press the demands to draft a new constitution and reform the monarchy.[157][158] Nevertheless, Prayut blamed the protesters for further damaging the country's economy.[159]

Patrick Jory, a senior lecturer in Southeast Asian history at the University of Queensland, described the unpredictable nature of the King and "his willingness to use violence," and says that he may have pressured Prayut to suppress the protesters.[160]

On 2 December 2020, the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of Prayut in a conflict-of-interest case over his use of military housing. The former army chief had been living in a military residence after retiring from the army in 2014, months after he led the coup over the elected government. The ruling allowed Pruyut to remain in power. Thousands of protesters gathered at the Lat Phrao Intersection to protest the verdict.[161][162]

Activating lèse-majesté law

In November 2020, Prayut declared to use all laws including lèse-majesté against the protesters. There had been no charges under the Thai lèse majesté law since 2018, but Prayut said was the wish of King Vajiralongkorn that the law be used again. Other security laws had been invoked in its place, such as the sedition law, the Computer Crime Act. Some have also been charged with being a member of an organized crime group. These charges incur comparably severe punishments. Prayut has used these laws as a political manipulation tool.[163] Sulak Sivaraksa, a well-known Thai royalist scholar, decried Prayut's using the lèse-majesté law and called for Prayut's removal from office.[164] After that, prominent human rights defenders and democracy activists were charged, with a possible sentence of more than 100 years each, on criminal charges due to involvement in pro-democracy activism. The leading figures of the monarchy reform protests were all detained and awaited trial in 2021, in a series of detainments and releases, some were imprisoned accumulatively for more than 200 days.[165]

Crackdown on protests

On 28 February 2021, as the movement was trying to rebuild momentum since the jailing of core protesters,[166] the Free Youth group, held an event at 1st Infantry Regiment, where Prayut's residence and the headquarter of King's Close Bodyguard are located. The skirmishes between both sides began in the evening, shortly before a decision to disperse. Some hardline protesters held their ground, and threw objects at the police. The police retaliated by employing water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. According to Bangkok's emergency medical service, 10 protesters and 22 police officers were injured.[167] On 7 August 2021, the Free Youth group planned a march to Prayut house again. Thai riot police closed the Din Daeng area to prevent protesters from going near Prayut's house. The police fired tear gas at them. Around 6pm, a police truck was burned near the Victory Monument.[168][169]

Further human rights suppression

A 2019 Human Rights Watch reported that as the newly elected government of Prayut assumed power in mid-2019, Thailand's human rights record showed no signs of change.[170][171]: 7–8 

In early 2021, the Thai government, led by Prayut, had adopted a draft law, Draft Act on the Operations of Not-for-Profit Organizations, to regulate non-governmental organization (NGOs). The bill was mentioned by Amnesty International as an effort to silence civil society groups and NGOs.[172]

In September 2021, Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a Move Forward Party MP, released videos, voice clips, and documents regarding military operations creating fake social media accounts to operate information warfare against the people. The Internal Security Operations Command, head by Prayut, was also involved in deep monitoring of opposition politicians, seen as Prayut’s political enemies, along with Thai activists.[173]

In November 2021, Prayut ordered the Royal Thai Police and the Ministry of Interior to check if Amnesty International had violated any Thai laws following the campaign's support of the repeal of lèse-majesté law regarding a contentious ruling by the Constitutional Court against the 2020 Thai protests calling for reform of the monarchy.[174] On 1 December, a 28-year-old noodle vendor made headline news by asking Prayut to retire quickly to allow others to perform the duties of his office. She voiced that Thailand needs more development. She was welcomed by people in Ban Dung District in Udon Thani. Later Ban Dung police came to her house, asking to see her so that they could keep a record of her, but she declined to meet them, saying she had done nothing wrong. The police detained her later.[175]

On 4 December, Prayut suggested that wealthy people use a toll elevated road, and that poor people use a road under it.[176]

Personal life

Prayut's nickname is "Tuu" (Template:Lang-th; RTGS: Tu),[177] and he is known as "Big Tuu" (Template:Lang-th; RTGS: Bik Tu) or "Uncle Tuu" (Template:Lang-th; RTGS: Lung Tu) by his supporters. The opposition has parodied his name, calling him "Toob" (Template:Lang-th; literally: Dog).[178][179] He is married to Naraporn Chan-o-cha, a former associate professor at Chulalongkorn University's Language Institute.[180][181] She has served as president of the Army Wives' Association since Prayut's selection as army chief in 2010, and is involved with distance learning organisations, for whom she teaches English on a long-distance learning television channel. She claimed to have told her husband to cool down when speaking to the media. Moreover, she told reporters that she was "looking after" her husband, taking responsibility for his clothes, makeup and haircut. According to her, Prayut was dressed "in the English style", wore shoes by Church's and suits tailored at "Broadway".[182] Prayut and Naraporn have twin daughters, Thanya (Template:Lang-th) and Nittha (Template:Lang-th), "...twenty-something twin daughters [who] enjoyed brief success a few years ago as a punk-lite pop duo called BADZ—..."[81]

Prayut has stated publicly that he consults a fortune teller, Warin Buawiratlert, regularly.[183] He said that there was no harm in seeking advice. When suffering from fever and aches early in his premiership, he blamed his ills on spells cast by his political enemies and combated the malady with holy water.[184]

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 bracelet to ward off bad luck.[185] He has revived the tradition of wearing the phraratchathan, first popularised by Prem Tinsulanonda in the 1980s, and has instructed cabinet members to dress in the phraratchathan at meetings, rather than in Western suits.[185]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prayut was fined 6,000 baht for not wearing a face mask in an April 2021 meeting on COVID-19 vaccination.[186] As prime minister, General Prayut earns a salary of 75,900 baht per month, plus a "position allowance" of 50,000 baht monthly. He does not receive a salary as defence minister.[187]

Honors and decorations

References

  1. ^ "His Excellency Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand congratulated His Excellency Mr. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia on his reelection victory on 17 April 2019". Royal Thai Embassy, Jakarta. 24 May 2019. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  2. ^ "Thai coup: Leader Gen Prayuth receives royal endorsement". BBC News. 26 May 2014.
  3. ^ "Army chief retires after four turbulent years". The Nation. 30 September 2014. Archived from the original on 12 February 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  4. ^ "PM Enters Defence Ministry to Start his Concurrent Position as Defence Minister". Thai News Agency. 30 July 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
  5. ^ Fredrickson, Terry (1 October 2010). "Gen Prayut takes command". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  6. ^ Corben, Ron (1 October 2010). "Thailand's new army chief takes office". Deutsche Welle. Archived from the original on 22 May 2014. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  7. ^ Harlan, Chico (7 June 2014). "Behind Thailand's coup is a fight over the king and his successor. But it's hush-hush". The Washington Post. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
  8. ^ "Thai king appoints hardliner as next army chief". The Hindu. 2 September 2010. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
  9. ^ Petty, Martin (17 October 2010). "Q+A: Are Thailand's "red shirts" regrouping?". Reuters. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
  10. ^ "Gen Prayut takes command". Bangkok Post. 1 October 2010. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
  11. ^ "No coup, Prayut tells Yingluck". Bangkok Post. 27 May 2013.
  12. ^ "Prayut says army neutral". Bangkok Post. 30 November 2013.
  13. ^ 'ประยุทธ์-เหล่าทัพ'แถลง'ควบคุมอำนาจรัฐ' [Prayut and military chiefs are controlling state powers]. Komchadluek (in Thai). 22 May 2014. Archived from the original on 22 May 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2014.
  14. ^ "Military dominates new Thailand legislature". BBC News. 1 August 2014. Archived from the original on 2 August 2014. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
  15. ^ "Prayut elected as 29th PM". The Nation. 21 August 2014. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  16. ^ "Thailand's Junta Chief Chosen as Prime Minister". Voice of America. 21 August 2014. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
  17. ^ a b "The Thai junta's latest crackdown on dissent is a bogus Facebook login button". Quartz. 26 June 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  18. ^ Chan-o-cha, Prayut. "National Broadcast, 2014-07-11" (PDF). Royal Thai Embassy, Islamabad. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  19. ^ Fuller, Thomas (15 September 2014). "Loved and Hated, Former Premier of Thailand Is Erased From Textbook". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  20. ^ 'ประยุทธ์' เตรียมปรับ 'ค่านิยม 12 ประการ' ให้คล้องจองท่องแทน 'เด็กเอ๋ยเด็กดี' แย้มมีสอบด้วย. Prachatai (in Thai). 15 September 2014. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  21. ^ a b "นายกฯ"ยัน"ห้ามพูดเรื่องปชต [PM: discussion prohibited]. Post Today (in Thai). 19 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  22. ^ Thai parliament elects Prayuth Chan-ocha as prime minister
  23. ^ ศาลมีคำสั่งว่า พันเอก ประพัฒน์ จันทร์โอชา เป็นคนไร้ความสามารถ และให้อยู่ในความอนุบาลของ พลเอก ประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา [The court ordered that Colonel Prapat Chan-o-cha was incompetent. and to be in the care of General Prayut Chan-o-cha] (PDF) (court order, Royal Gazette) (in Thai). 2016.
  24. ^ "เปิดประวัติ พล.อ. ประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา นายกฯ คนดีคนเดิม ที่ครองเก้าอี้ต่ออีกสมัย" [Prayut Biography] (in Thai). Archived from the original on 4 November 2021.
  25. ^ a b c "Prayut Chan-O-Cha: Executive Profile & Biography". Bloomberg BusinessWeek. Retrieved 30 March 2014.
  26. ^ แต่งตั้งราชองครักษ์ [Royal Guard Appointment] (PDF) (court order, Royal Gazette) (in Thai). 2016.
  27. ^ a b Pongsudhirak, Thitinan (2010). "Meaning and implications of general's rise". Bangkok Post.
  28. ^ Panananda, Avudh (8 June 2010). "Is Prayut the best choice amid signs of Army rivalry?". The Nation. Archived from the original on 20 May 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  29. ^ John Cole; Steve Sciacchitano (13 October 2012). "Thai military resists political pressure". Asia Times Online. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2014.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  30. ^ Wassana Nanuam (12 December 2013). "'Silent' military coup beats having a real one". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  31. ^ Wassana Nanuam (2 January 2014). "Will this crisis lead to another coup?". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  32. ^ "ประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา". Thai Rath. Archived from the original on 23 February 2014.
  33. ^ "Are cracks emerging in Thailand's military?". 12 April 2010.
  34. ^ "ศอฉ.สั่งห้ามบุคคลใดขาย-ครอบครองสินค้า "สร้างความแตกแยก"". prachatai.com (in Thai). 2010.
  35. ^ "จับแม่ค้ารองเท้ารูปนายกฯ - ตำรวจระบุนำสินค้ามาสอบว่าฝ่าฝืน "ศอฉ." หรือไม่". prachatai.com (in Thai). 2010.
  36. ^ ""ประยุทธ์" ยันมีเลือกตั้งแน่ ลั่นเป็นกลาง แต่วอนอย่าเลือกคนที่จะนำไปสู่ความวุ่นวาย-รุนแรง". prachatai.com (in Thai). 22 March 2011.
  37. ^ "ผบ.ทบ. เผยคนจน-คนต่างจังหวัดน่าสงสาร ขอให้ทบทวนมาชุมนุมแล้วได้ประชาธิปไตยหรือไม่". prachatai.com (in Thai). 12 April 2011.
  38. ^ "ผบ.ทบ.ขอให้ประชาชนเลือกคนที่ทำให้บ้านเมือง-สถาบันปลอดภัย". prachatai.com (in Thai). 15 June 2011.
  39. ^ "ปวิน ชัชวาลพงศ์พันธ์: ห้าเหตุผลที่ยิ่งลักษณ์ควรกำจัดประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา". prachatai.com (in Thai). 18 August 2011.
  40. ^ "เผย "มาร์ค" ไม่ร่วมวงถกนิติราษฎร์ ท้าแน่จริงเลิกเป็นนักวิชาการ "ผบ.ทบ." ชี้ข้อเสนอ "นิติราษฎร์" ทำชาติแตกแยก". prachatai.com (in Thai). 24 September 2011.
  41. ^ "GT200: Faulty reasoning". Bangkok Post. 2012.
  42. ^ George, Harrison (2013). "Military Reasons". Prachatai English.
  43. ^ "Thailand: Army Chief Interfering in Investigations". Human Rights Watch. 23 August 2012.
  44. ^ "World Report 2013: Thailand". 10 January 2013.
  45. ^ a b "Prayuth Deflects Questions About 600 Million Baht Land Sale". Khaosod English. 4 November 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  46. ^ a b "Prayuth says army neutral". Bangkok Post. 30 November 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  47. ^ Szep, Jason; Lefevre, Amy Sawitta (13 December 2013). "Powerful forces revealed behind Thai protest movement". Reuters.
  48. ^ "Thai army chief calls for end to violence but fails to rule out coup". the Guardian. 27 December 2013.
  49. ^ "Yingluck, 9 ministers removed from office". Bangkok Post. 7 May 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2014.
  50. ^ Davidson, Helen; Weaver, Matthew (20 May 2014). "Thailand army declares martial law, denies coup". The Guardian.
  51. ^ "Thailand military seizes power in coup". BBC News. 22 May 2014.
  52. ^ "Thai military stifles dissent". BBC News. 22 June 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  53. ^ "All crimes involving alleged lese majeste, sedition subjected to Military Court: Thai Coup makers". Prachatai. 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  54. ^ "Thailand: Unending Repression 6 Months Post-Coup". Human Rights Watch. 24 November 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  55. ^ ประกาศแต่งตั้งหัวหน้าคณะรักษาความสงบแห่งชาติ [Proclamation on Appointment of Leader of the National Council for Peace and Order] (PDF). Government Gazette (in Thai) (Volume 131, Special Part 82 D). Bangkok: Cabinet Secretariat: 1. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 27 May 2014. {{cite journal}}: |issue= has extra text (help)
  56. ^ a b "Thai coup: Leader Gen Prayuth receives royal endorsement". BBC. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  57. ^ "National Broadcast by General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, Head of the National Council for Peace and Order, on 30 May 2014". Royal Thai Government. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  58. ^ Chanwanpen, Kasamakorn (31 May 2015). "Not every TV viewer is happy with Prayut 'Returning Happiness to the People'". The Nation. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  59. ^ Barbash, Fred (29 September 2014). "Thailand's leader will write soap operas to 'return happiness' to the people". The Washington Post. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  60. ^ Campbell, Charlie (23 June 2014). "A Yellow Shirt Leader Says the Thai Coup Was Planned in 2010". Time. Archived from the original on 23 June 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  61. ^ "Powerful forces revealed behind Thai protest movement". Reuters. 13 December 2013. Archived from the original on 11 January 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  62. ^ "Army Unveils Song 'Authored By Gen. Prayuth'". Khaosod English. 8 June 2014.
  63. ^ a b Charuvastra, Teeranai (22 December 2015). "Prayuth Releases Another Patriotic Ballad". Khaosod English. Retrieved 24 December 2015.
  64. ^ Chan-o-cha, Prayut. "ไจเพชร" [Diamond Heart]. YouTube. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  65. ^ Thaitrakulpanich, Asaree (14 February 2018). "PRAYUTH DROPS VALENTINE'S SINGLE 'DIAMOND HEART'". Khaosod English. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  66. ^ Rojanaphruk, Pravit (14 April 2018). "Yet Another sad Propaganda Ballad for Juntaland". Khaosod English. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  67. ^ "ซิงเกิ้ลใหม่บิ๊กตู่! นายกฯสะบัดปากกาแต่งเพลง'ในความทรงจำ' (ชมคลิป)". แนวหน้า (in Thai). Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  68. ^ "Don't vote for the same 'bad people' next time: Prayut". The Nation. 5 May 2017. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  69. ^ "Prayut urges people to 'vote carefully in Feb'". The Nation. 13 December 2018. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  70. ^ Biggs, Andrew (10 March 2019). "Thailand's New Day Same as Old". Bangkok Post. No. B Magazine. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  71. ^ Thaitrakulpanich, Asaree (13 May 2019). "PRAYUTH WRITES AND RELEASES CORONATION-INSPIRED SONG". Khaosod English. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  72. ^ "Thai military announces new constitution". ABC News. Australia. 27 July 2014. Archived from the original on 29 November 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
  73. ^ "Report on the Exercise of Power under Section 44 of the Interim Constitution of Thailand". iLaw.or.th. 18 November 2015. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  74. ^ Chomchuen, Warangkana; Watcharasakwet, Wilawan (31 July 2014). "Thai Junta Appoints New Legislature". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
  75. ^ ประกาศแต่งตั้งนายกรัฐมนตรี ลงวันที่ 24 สิงหาคม 2557 [Proclamation on Appointment of Prime Minister dated 24 August 2014] (PDF). Royal Thai Government Gazette (in Thai). 131, Special Part 159 D. Bangkok: Cabinet Secretariat: 1. 25 August 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  76. ^ "Thai king endorses coup leader Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha as prime minister". the Guardian. 25 August 2014.
  77. ^ "Prayut Chan-o-cha: Army Chief, Junta Leader, Prime Minister". Khaosod English. 21 August 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  78. ^ "Fury as Thai coup leader joins club of world leaders". The Straits Times. 16 October 2014. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
  79. ^ Pavin Chachavalpongpun (12 October 2014). "Thai Junta Beset By Corruption Scandals". The Diplomat. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
  80. ^ "ปปท.แจงผลสอบไมค์ครม.แพงไม่พบปนัดดาเอี่ยว".
  81. ^ a b c Haworth, Abigail (22 March 2015). "Bangkok's Big Brother is watching you". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  82. ^ Paddock, Richard C.; Suhartono, Muktita (3 November 2018). "Thai Paradise Gains Reputation as 'Death Island'". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
  83. ^ "บิ๊กตู่ขอโทษพูดจาแรงกับนักท่องเที่ยว". Post Today. 19 September 2014. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
  84. ^ "Prayut, wife have net assets worth bt128 million". The Nation. 31 October 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2020.
  85. ^ "PM Prayuth 'can justify personal wealth'". Phuket News. Bangkok Post. 1 November 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  86. ^ Nanuam, Wassana; Laohong, King-Oua (20 December 2017). "Prawit on his own in watch row". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  87. ^ Fuller, Thomas (9 February 2015). "Thailand's Junta Tries to Bury the Opposition in Endless Lawsuits". The New York Times. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  88. ^ "Thai prime minister, an ex-general, is millionaire". Yahoo Finance. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  89. ^ "World Report 2015: Thailand". 9 January 2015.
  90. ^ "Thai junta leader throws banana peel at cameraman's head". Prachatai English. 24 December 2014.
  91. ^ "Five Thai students held for 'Hunger Games' salute at PM". BBC News. 19 November 2014.
  92. ^ "5 Thai students arrested for flashing anti-junta salute". www.aa.com.tr.
  93. ^ "In latest outburst, Thailand's Prayuth reminds reporters of his powers". The Straits Times. 19 February 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  94. ^ "มะกัน ไม่เก็ท!! จวกบิ๊กตู่ขู่ 'ประหารนักข่าว'".
  95. ^ "สหรัฐฯไม่สบายใจ 'บิ๊กตู่' ล้อแรงจะลงโทษนักข่าว". www.thairath.co.th. 27 March 2015.
  96. ^ Hariraksapitak, Pracha (25 March 2015). "Thai PM Prayuth warns media, says has power to execute reporters". Reuters. Archived from the original on 16 March 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  97. ^ "Thai military leader threatens to execute journalists". International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). 26 March 2015. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  98. ^ "Prayut gives a stern warning to rich fishing operators". Thai Public Broadcasting Service. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
  99. ^ "Thai Junta Warns Media Against Reporting on Human Trafficking". Khaosod English. 25 March 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  100. ^ "Prayut pledges to lead country to high income economy". Thai Public Broadcasting Service. 23 March 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  101. ^ "Junta Clarifies Scope of Article 44's Sweeping Power". Khaosod English. 31 March 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  102. ^ "Chartered flights ban to Japan, South Korea and China worries PM". Thai Public Broadcasting Service. 30 March 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  103. ^ "DCA's Functions and Responsibilities". Department of Civil Aviation Thailand. Archived from the original on 16 February 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  104. ^ "Prayut says Section 44 not enough to resolve long standing fishing industry problem". Thai Public Broadcasting Service. 25 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  105. ^ "Prayut vows to improve corruption ranking". Thai Public Broadcasting Service. 8 June 2015. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  106. ^ Ehrlich, Richard S. (24 August 2015). "Thai prime minister under fire as Bangkok mosque [sic] bombing probe stalls". The Washington Times. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  107. ^ "Law curbing public assembly takes effect in Thailand". The Seattle Times. Associated Press. 13 August 2015. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  108. ^ "Prayuth Fumes at Politicians Critical of Charter". Khaosod English. 26 August 2015. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
  109. ^ "44 reasons to reconsider". Bangkok Post. 30 March 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  110. ^ Rojanaphruk, Pravit (1 April 2015). "Beware of those who see the need for Article 44". Prachatai English. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  111. ^ Bandow, Doug (1 September 2015). "Thailand's Military Delivers Oppression Rather than Happiness". cato.org. Cato Institute.
  112. ^ "Junta Chairman Lectures Youth on Thai-style Monarchy & Democracy [Transcript]". Khaosod English. 8 July 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  113. ^ "Prayuth Can't Guarantee Safety of Academics Who Criticize Him". Khaosod English. 25 November 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  114. ^ Hookway, James (23 December 2015). "Thai Military Leader Denies Rights Abuses and Claims Massive Support". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 24 December 2015.
  115. ^ "PM says his patience has limits with biased columnists". Thai Public Broadcasting Service. 26 December 2015. Retrieved 26 December 2015.
  116. ^ Mokkhasen, Sasiwan (19 November 2015). "Prayuth Warns Obama Not to Trust Reports of Rights Abuses". Khaosod English.
  117. ^ "Thailand: Investigate Army Abduction of Student Activist". Human Rights Watch. 22 January 2016. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
  118. ^ Saiyasombut, Saksith (1 February 2016). "Tongue-Thai'ed – A woman's (supposed) worth in a military man's world". Asian Correspondent. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  119. ^ "Thai PM Prayuth assures general election in 2017". Reuters. 1 February 2016.
  120. ^ "Military rule jeopardizing Thailand's future". DW.COM. 14 December 2015.
  121. ^ "Obama takes heat for inviting Prayuth Chan-ocha, Thailand coup leader, to summit". The Washington Times. 3 February 2016.
  122. ^ Prateepchaikul, Veera (4 April 2016). "Regime is too sensitive to criticism for its own good". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  123. ^ George, Harrison (13 April 2016). "Help! The paranoids are after me!" (Editorial). Prachatai English. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
  124. ^ Maketab, Hanis (21 April 2016). "Thai junta makes it clear it is not interested in democracy". Asian Correspondent. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  125. ^ "If referendum fails, I will draft constitution myself: Thai junta head". Prachatai English. 11 July 2016. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
  126. ^ "No, I won't draft charter myself: junta head reverses earlier statement". Prachatai English. 12 July 2016. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
  127. ^ "Victory for generals as Thais vote for junta charter". RAPPLER. 7 August 2016.
  128. ^ "Prayut refuses to submit nomination of Somdet Chuang as Supreme Patriarch". The Nation. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  129. ^ "NLA passes Sangha Act amendment bill". The Nation. 29 December 2016. Retrieved 31 December 2016.
  130. ^ "Somdet Phra Maha Muniwong new Supreme Patriarch". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  131. ^ Satrusayang, Cod (25 February 2017). "Thai junta replaces director of Buddhism department with policeman". Reuters. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  132. ^ Tanakasempipat, Patpicha; Niyomyat, Aukkarapon (29 August 2017). "Thailand's Buddhism chief removed after pressure from religious groups". Reuters. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  133. ^ "Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej dead at 88". BBC News. 13 October 2016.
  134. ^ "PM urges against rights 'obsession'". Bangkok Post. 11 February 2017. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
  135. ^ Sattaburuthwassana, Aekarach (13 December 2017). "PM rips media over Prawit bling furore". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  136. ^ Parry, Richard Lloyd (17 July 2017). "Thai ruler boosts his power with $30bn property portfolio".
  137. ^ "PM calls for end to 'sex tourism image'". Bangkok Post. 28 February 2018. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
  138. ^ "Buddha Issara Accused of Royal Forgery". Khaosod English. 24 May 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  139. ^ "Development Goals". Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office. 15 November 2018. Archived from the original on 9 December 2018.
  140. ^ "เงินประกันคนละ 1 แสน ปล่อยตัว 3 แกนนำ "คนอยากเลือกตั้ง"" [100,000 baht bail per person, release 3 leaders]. BBC News ไทย (in Thai). 10 February 2018.
  141. ^ "การชุมนุมของกลุ่มคนอยากเลือกตั้งที่ถนนราชดำเนิน #RDN50 (คดีผู้ร่วมชุมนุม)" [Political rally of the people who want an election at Ratchadamnoen #RDN50]. freedom.ilaw.or.th (in Thai).
  142. ^ Jotikasthira, Om; Sabpaitoon, Patpon (28 October 2018). "Young voters find voice". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 12 February 2020. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  143. ^ Sattaburuth, Aekarach; Bangprapa, Mongkok (26 September 2018). "PM allows ministers to back parties". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 12 February 2020. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  144. ^ Arunmas, Phusadee (1 November 2018). "Face of next PM will 'be similar to Prayut'". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 12 February 2020. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  145. ^ "Palang Pracharath ministers resign from cabinet". Bangkok Post. 29 January 2019. Archived from the original on 12 February 2020. Retrieved 30 January 2019.
  146. ^ "Election has already been won, so what now?" (Opinion). The Nation. 28 November 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  147. ^ "Pro-junta Phalang Pracharat Party proposes Prayut for next premier". The Nation. Retrieved 30 January 2019.
  148. ^ Helen Regan; Kocha Olarn. "Thailand's junta chief elected as country's next prime minister". CNN. Retrieved 9 July 2019.
  149. ^ "EC to push ahead with formula". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  150. ^ Sawasdee, Siripan Nogsuan (12 December 2019). "Electoral integrity and the repercussions of institutional manipulations: The 2019 general election in Thailand". Asian Journal of Comparative Politics. 5 (1): 52–68. doi:10.1177/2057891119892321. ISSN 2057-8911. S2CID 213208424.
  151. ^ "Senate must give way". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  152. ^ "ปชช.กังวลทหารอียิปต์-ครอบครัวซูดาน ทำ COVID-19 ระบาดใหม่" [Ppl. concerned [about] Egyptian soldier-Sudanese family to cause new COVID-19 pandemic]. Thai PBS (in Thai). 19 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  153. ^ "หละหลวม ปล่อยทหารอียิปต์ติดโควิด เข้ามา ท่องเที่ยวระยองพังหนัก รอวันตาย" [Careless. Let COVID infected Egyptian soldier in. Rayong tourism heavily damaged, waiting to die.]. Thairath (in Thai). 15 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  154. ^ "ท่องเที่ยวระยองพังพินาศ แห่ถอนจองโรงแรมรีสอร์ท90%" [Rayong tourism devastated. 90% hotel-resort booking canceled]. Dailynews (in Thai). 14 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  155. ^ "โซเชียลเดือด ดันแฮชแท็ก #ตํารวจระยองอุ้มประชาชน ปม 2 วัยรุ่นชูป้ายไล่นายกฯ" [Social boiled. Push hash tag 'Rayong police arrest people' in incident of two teens holding signs.]. Thairath (in Thai). 15 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  156. ^ "Two activists under arrest for sedition, violating Emergency Decree". Prachatai English. 7 August 2020.
  157. ^ English, Khaosod (16 October 2020). "Editorial: Prayut Has Lost All Legitimacy. He Must Go". Khaosod English. Archived from the original on 19 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  158. ^ "Listen to the young". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  159. ^ "Prayut says the economic situation will not recover because of the protesters". Thai Enquirer. 12 October 2020. Archived from the original on 12 October 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  160. ^ "Can Thai monarchy emerge unscathed as it faces its greatest challenge?". South China Morning Post. 31 October 2020. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  161. ^ Tanakasempipat, Patpicha; Thepgumpanat, Panarat (2 December 2020). "Thai PM found not guilty in conflict of interest case". Reuters. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
  162. ^ Yuda, Masayuki (2 December 2020). "Thailand PM survives removal threat at Constitutional Court". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
  163. ^ "Changes in Thailand's lèse majesté prosecutions in 2018". Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. 15 January 2019. Archived from the original on 2 November 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  164. ^ "Thailand latest: Kingdom's top scholar calls for Prayuth's removal". Nikkei Asia. 26 November 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  165. ^ "Thailand: Arbitrary detention of eight pro-democracy activists". International Federation for Human Rights. 12 August 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  166. ^ "Thai Marchers Link Democracy Cause To Myanmar Protests". Khaosod English. 1 March 2021. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
  167. ^ "Activists Weigh on 'Leaderless' Protest Tactic After Night of Clashes". Khaosod English. 1 March 2021. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  168. ^ "Thai police fire tear gas at protest over COVID response". AP NEWS. 7 August 2021.
  169. ^ Tan, Tam Mei (7 August 2021). "Thai anti-govt protesters, angry with Covid-19 response, clash with police in Bangkok". The Straits Times.
  170. ^ McDonald, Taylor (25 July 2019). "Thailand fails to address rights abuse: HRW". ASEAN Economist. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
  171. ^ To Speak Out is Dangerous; Criminalization of Peaceful Expression in Thailand (PDF). New York: Human Rights Watch. October 2019. ISBN 9781623137724. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
  172. ^ "NGO law would strike severe blow to human rights in Thailand". Amnesty International. 2 April 2021.
  173. ^ "PM involvement in 'Information Operations' raised in no-confidence debate". Prachatai English. 2021.
  174. ^ "War on Amnesty the wrong battle". Bangkok Post. 2021.
  175. ^ "Police reportedly visit woman who irritated Prayut". Bangkok Post. 2021.
  176. ^ "ความเท่าเทียมในมุมของ 'ประยุทธ์' คนรวยใช้เส้นทางเสียเงิน คนรายได้น้อยใช้เส้นทางข้างล่าง". workpointTODAY (in Thai). 2021.
  177. ^ "Top Adviser to HM King Showers Praises on Junta". Khaosod English. 26 August 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
  178. ^ ปรัชญา นงนุช (10 December 2017). "ใครเริ่มเรียก 'ลุงตู่' คนแรก ? ดังข้ามปี ชื่อนี้ที่มา ไม่ธรรมดา !!". มติชนสุดสัปดาห์. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  179. ^ "Open the cause! Why do people care so much about royal family treasures: Shallow News in Depth 263 (เปิดสาเหตุ! ทำไมประชาชน ต้องสนใจกับสมบัติของเจ้า กันหนักหนา: เจาะข่าวตื้น 263); at 19:13". Retrieved 7 July 2021 – via YouTube.
  180. ^ Nanuam, Wassana (23 August 2014). "General gets ready to swap into civvies". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2014.
  181. ^ "First family keeps low profile". The Nation. 22 August 2014. Archived from the original on 29 August 2016. Retrieved 22 November 2014. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 17 October 2021 suggested (help)
  182. ^ Chachavalpongpun, Pavin (5 January 2015). "Prayuth's Wife Called Thailand's 'Most Able'". Asia Sentinel. Archived from the original on 25 October 2020. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  183. ^ Thongnoi, Jitsiree (13 September 2015). "Prayut, the fortune teller and the ghost of the guru". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
  184. ^ Satrusayang, Cod (15 January 2015). "Addicted to superstition: Thailand's 21st century mystics". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  185. ^ a b Fernquest, Jon (18 September 2014). "PM Prayuth's lucky rings". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  186. ^ Sivasomboon, Busaba (26 April 2021). "Thailand's prime minister fined for breaking face mask rule". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 12 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  187. ^ "Curfew in Greater Bangkok from Monday". Bangkok Post. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Prayut Chan-o-cha.
 
Wikiquote has quotations related to Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Military offices
Preceded by Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army
2010–2014 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded byas Acting Prime Minister Leader of the National Council for Peace and Order
2014–2019 		Office abolished
Preceded by Prime Minister of Thailand
2014–present 		Incumbent
Preceded by Minister of Defence of Thailand
2019–present
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by Chair of the ASEAN
2019 		Succeeded by

Template:Heads of government of monarchies

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Prayut_Chan-o-cha&oldid=1081538866"