Prayut Chan-o-cha facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Prayut Chan-o-cha
MPCh MWM TChW RMK PC
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ประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา
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Prayut in 2019
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| Privy Councillor of Thailand | |
| Assumed office 29 November 2023 |
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| Monarch | Vajiralongkorn |
| 29th Prime Minister of Thailand | |
| In office 24 August 2014 – 22 August 2023 |
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| Monarch | Bhumibol Adulyadej Vajiralongkorn |
| Deputy |
See list
Prawit Wongsuwon
Pridiyathorn Devakula Yongyuth Yuthavong Thanasak Patimaprakorn Wissanu Krea-ngam Somkid Jatusripitak Narong Pipathanasai Prajin Juntong Chatchai Sarikulya Anutin Charnvirakul Jurin Laksanawisit Don Pramudwinai Supattanapong Punmeechaow |
| Preceded by | Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Srettha Thavisin |
| Minister of Defence | |
| In office 10 July 2019 – 1 September 2023 |
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| Prime Minister | Himself |
| Preceded by | Prawit Wongsuwon |
| Succeeded by | Sutin Klungsang |
| Leader of the National Council for Peace and Order | |
| In office 22 May 2014 – 16 July 2019 |
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| Deputy |
See list
Prawit Wongsuwon
Thanasak Patimaprakorn Narong Pipathanasai Prajin Juntong Adul Saengsingkaew |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army | |
| In office 1 October 2010 – 30 September 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Anupong Paochinda |
| Succeeded by | Udomdej Sitabutr |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 March 1954 Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand |
| Political party | Independent |
| Other political affiliations |
Palang Pracharath (2019–2022) United Thai Nation (2023) |
| Spouse |
Naraporn Rotchanachan (m. 1984)
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| Children | 2 |
| Education | Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy |
| Signature (English) |  |
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| Nickname | Tuu (ตู่) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | Royal Thai Army |
| Years of service | 1976–2014 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands |
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| Battles/wars |
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Prayut Chan-o-cha (born 21 March 1954) is a former Thai politician and army officer. He served as the 29th prime minister of Thailand from 2014 to 2023. He also held the position of minister of defence in his government.
Before becoming prime minister, Prayut was the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army from 2010 to 2014. In 2014, he led a military takeover, known as a coup d'état. After this, he became the leader of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), a group of military officers who governed Thailand until 2019.
Prayut was seen as a supporter of the monarchy and an opponent of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He was involved in efforts to control political protests in 2009 and 2010. Later, he tried to work with the government of Yingluck Shinawatra, who became prime minister in 2011.
During a political crisis in 2013–2014, Prayut initially said the army would stay neutral. However, in May 2014, he led a military coup. He then took control of the country as the head of the military government. In August 2014, a special group of lawmakers chose him as Prime Minister.
Prayut's government limited public discussions about democracy and increased control over media. He was elected prime minister after the 2019 general election. After the 2023 election, he announced his retirement from politics. He was succeeded by Srettha Thavisin in August 2023, after nine years in power. In November 2023, Prayut was appointed a Privy Councillor.
Contents
Early life and education
Prayut Chan-o-cha was born on 21 March 1954. His father was an army Colonel, and his mother was a school teacher. He was the oldest of four children.
He attended Sahakit School in Lopburi, where his mother taught. He later studied at Phibulwitthayalai Lopburi School. Because his father moved often for his army work, Prayut also moved schools. He spent a year at Wat Nuannoradit School in Phasi Charoen.
In 1971, Prayut joined the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School. He then became a cadet at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy in 1976, where he earned a bachelor of science degree. He also completed various officer training courses before starting his military career.
Military career
Queen's Guards (1986–2010)
After graduating from the military academy, Prayut began his career as a Major. He served as a royal guard in 1987. Three years later, he joined the 21st Infantry Regiment, known as the Queen's Guards.
In 2001, he became a deputy commanding general in the 2nd Infantry Division. He became its commanding general a year later. In 2005, he was made a deputy commanding general of the 1st Army. Prayut was seen as a key figure in the events leading to the 2006 Thai coup d'état.
Like other important military leaders, Prayut was part of the "eastern tigers" group in the army. Many in this group, including Prayut, started their careers in the 2nd Infantry Division in eastern Thailand.
After the 2006 coup, Prayut was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly. He also served on the boards of several companies. From 2007 to 2010, he was a director at Thai Oil Public Co, Ltd. He also became a director of Thai Military Bank and chairman of the Army United Football Club.
Army chief (2010–2014)
In 2010, Prayut became the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army. He stated that his main goals were to protect Thailand's independence and the monarchy.
During the 2010 Thai political protests, Prayut was part of a special government agency called the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situations (CRES). This agency aimed to control the political situation. Prayut later became the leader of CRES.
In 2011, Prayut spoke out against the Pheu Thai Party before the 2011 Thai general election. He encouraged people to vote for parties that would protect the monarchy. Despite his comments, the Pheu Thai Party won the election.
In late 2011, Prayut criticized a group that wanted to change Thailand's laws about respecting the monarchy. He warned that their actions could break the law.
Coup d'état & first premiership (2014–2019)
Political crisis and coup
In 2013-2014, Thailand faced a political crisis with protests against the government. Prayut initially urged protesters not to involve the military and to resolve the crisis peacefully.
On 20 May 2014, Prayut declared martial law to try and bring opposing political groups together. He said it was not a coup, but the military took control of important areas. Two days later, on 22 May, he staged a coup against the government. He then limited media, imposed a curfew, and banned large gatherings.
On 26 May, King Bhumibol Adulyadej officially approved the coup, giving Prayut the authority to lead the country. Prayut then began giving weekly speeches on national television to explain government policies.
Promises and power
The military government launched a campaign to bring "happiness" back to the Thai people. Prayut even wrote a song called "Returning Happiness to the People," which was played on TV and radio. He later released other songs, including "Because You Are Thailand" and "Diamond Heart."
On 22 July 2014, Prayut introduced a temporary constitution. This gave him broad powers and protected him from legal action for leading the coup. A military-led group of lawmakers then chose him as the new prime minister. King Bhumibol Adulyadej officially appointed him on 24 August 2014.
Prayut held three important roles at this time: army chief, NCPO leader, and prime minister. He retired from his army chief position in October 2014. His government faced criticism regarding its approach to human rights and freedom of expression. Prayut stated that he had the power to close media outlets if needed.
Using Article 44
In March 2015, Prayut announced that he would replace martial law with Article 44 of the temporary constitution. This article gave him the power to issue "any order to suppress" actions that could harm public peace, national security, or the monarchy. Prayut said he would use this power to solve national problems and would not harm innocent people's rights.
He also introduced a Public Assembly Act, which required protesters to get permission from the police before holding rallies. This law also banned protests near government buildings and royal palaces.
Views on human rights
Prayut supported laws that protect the monarchy from insult. He stated that his goal was to bring peace and order to Thailand. He also said that his government did not abuse human rights and that detentions of activists were due to their protests. He claimed that concerns about human rights were based on false information spread by his opponents.
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In 2016, Prayut said he did not care what other countries thought about the NCPO. He had promised a general election in 2015, but it was delayed until 2017.
Changes in Buddhism and the Monarchy
During Prayut's time as prime minister, the state increased its control over Buddhism in Thailand. He delayed the appointment of a new Supreme Patriarch, the highest leader of Thai Buddhism. A new law was passed that allowed the government to choose the Supreme Patriarch directly.
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On 13 October 2016, King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away. Prayut announced a year of mourning for the nation. In 2017, a new law was issued that gave King Vajiralongkorn control over the royal fortune.
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In November 2017, Prayut stated that Thailand's economic slowdown was due to global economic conditions. He aimed to improve Thailand's economy through the Thailand 4.0 development initiative. This plan seeks to make the country more focused on innovation.
Second premiership (2019–2023)
Government formation
Under the 2017 constitution, the senate (a group of appointed lawmakers) and the House of Representatives would choose the prime minister. Prayut expressed his wish to continue as prime minister after the 2019 election. The Phalang Pracharat Party, which had close ties to the military government, nominated him as their candidate.
After the 2019 election, the National Assembly elected Prayut as prime minister on 5 June. He won against Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. Many of his votes came from senators who had been appointed by the military government.
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Protests
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In 2020, major protests began against Prayut's government. These protests were sparked by the closing down of a main opposition party and changes to the Thai constitution. Protesters also raised concerns about the monarchy. Some protesters were arrested and faced legal charges. Prayut blamed the protests for harming the country's economy.
On 2 December 2020, the Constitutional Court ruled that Prayut could continue to be prime minister. This was after a legal challenge about whether he was allowed to live in military housing after retiring from the army.
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In 2021, protests continued, sometimes leading to clashes between protesters and police. Police used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to control the crowds.
Term limit and retirement
The 2017 constitution set an eight-year limit for prime ministers. There was a legal debate about when Prayut's term limit should start counting. On 24 August 2022, the Constitutional Court temporarily suspended him as prime minister while they reviewed the issue. Prawit Wongsuwan became acting prime minister during this time. On 30 September, the court ruled that his term started when the 2017 constitution began. This allowed him to continue as prime minister.
Prayut joined the United Thai Nation Party in December 2022 to run in the 2023 Thai general election. His party won fewer seats than expected. On 11 July 2023, Prayut announced his retirement from politics. He continued to serve as acting prime minister until a new government was formed in August 2023.
Privy Councilor
On 29 November 2023, King Vajiralongkorn appointed Prayut as a Privy Councilor.
Personal life
Prayut's nickname is "Tuu." His supporters sometimes call him "Big Tuu" or "Uncle Tuu." He is married to Naraporn Chan-o-cha, who was a professor. They have twin daughters.
Royal decorations
Thailand:
- 2010 –
Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant - 2008 –
Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand - 2024 –
Knight Grand Commander of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao - 2023 –
Order of Ramkeerati - 1990 –
Member of the Rama Medal for Gallantry in Action of the Most Honourable Order of Rama - 1986 –
Freemen Safeguarding Medal (Second Class, First Category) - 1989 –
Border Service Medal - 1989 –
Chakra Mala Medal - 2010 –
Boy Scout Citation Medal of Vajira, First Class - 2024 –
King Rama X Royal Cypher Medal, Third Class
- 2010 –
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Brunei:
- 2017 –
Recipient of the Sultan of Brunei Golden Jubilee Medal
- 2017 –
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United States:
- 2013 –
Commander of the Legion of Merit
- 2013 –
Malaysia :
- 2012 –
The Most Gallant Order of Military Service (P.G.A.T.)
- 2012 –
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Singapore :
- 2012 –
Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera)
- 2012 –
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Indonesia :
- 2012 –
Army Meritorious Service Star, Utama Class
- 2012 –
See also
In Spanish: Prayut Chan-o-cha para niños
