Biography
Prayut Chan-o-cha is a former Thai military officer and politician who served as Thailand's 29th Prime Minister from 2014 to 2023. Born on March 21, 1954, in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, he moved up the ranks in the Royal Thai Army, reaching commander-in-chief from 2010 to 2014. His military career was notable for his involvement in political protest crackdowns and his strong support for the monarchy.
Prayut's rise in politics came through military intervention rather than elections. As army chief, he was a strong opponent of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, playing a key role in the military's actions against Red Shirt protests in 2009 and 2010. Although he initially claimed to be neutral during the 2013-2014 political crisis, he launched a coup on May 22, 2014, against Yingluck Shinawatra's caretaker government, creating the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) military junta.
After the coup, Prayut tightened his grip on power by issuing an interim constitution that gave him extensive control and pardoned the military for the takeover. An unelected, military-heavy legislature appointed him Prime Minister in August 2014. His rule was marked by authoritarian practices, including limiting political activities, censoring the media, and promoting traditional Thai values through a "twelve values" educational program. He also served as Minister of Defence from 2019 to 2023.
Prayut's time as Prime Minister ended in 2023, closing nearly a decade of military-backed government in Thailand. Throughout his career, he received various military and civilian awards, like the Grand Cordon of the Order of the White Elephant and several service medals. His leadership and policies had a significant impact on Thailand's political scene during a time of major social and political upheaval.
Before Fame
Prayut Chan-o-cha rose to prominence through his military education and gradual rise in the Royal Thai Army. He attended Wat Nuannoradit School and Pibulwitthayalai School before moving on to the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School, eventually graduating from Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. His military career saw him take on a variety of roles, building his reputation as a strict figure within the army's ranks.
By 2010, when he became the army commander-in-chief, Thailand was deeply divided politically, with supporters and opponents of Thaksin Shinawatra at odds. This time of instability, with color-coded political movements and street protests, set the stage for Prayut to become an influential military figure who would later change Thai politics through armed intervention.
Key Achievements
- Led the 2014 military coup that overthrew the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra
- Served as commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army from 2010 to 2014
- Established and led the National Council for Peace and Order military junta from 2014 to 2019
- Served as Prime Minister of Thailand for nine years from 2014 to 2023
- Simultaneously held the position of Minister of Defence from 2019 to 2023
Did You Know?
- 01.He is known to have composed songs, including military marches and patriotic music during his time in power
- 02.Prayut created a set of "twelve values" based on traditional Thai principles that he mandated be taught in schools nationwide
- 03.He was awarded the Commander of the Legion of Merit by the United States in 2013, before his coup
- 04.During his rule, he held regular television addresses called "Returning Happiness to the People" to communicate government policies
- 05.He graduated from the National Defence College of Thailand as part of his advanced military education
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Cordon of the Order of the White Elephant | 2010 | — |
| Grand Cordon of the Order of the Crown of Thailand | 2008 | — |
| Grand Commander of the Order of Chula Chom Klao | 2024 | — |
| Order of Rama | 1990 | — |
| Commander of the Legion of Merit | 2013 | — |
| Order of Ramkeerati | 2023 | — |
| Freemen Safeguarding Medal | 1986 | — |
| Border Service Medal | 1989 | — |
| Chakra Mala Medal | 1989 | — |
| Boy Scout Citation Medal of Vajira | 2010 | — |
| Royal Cypher Medal | 2024 | — |
| Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) | 2012 | — |
| Star of the Kartika Eka Pakçi | 2012 | — |