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Prayut Chan-o-cha is a Thai politician and retired army general who played a central role in Thailand's recent political history. He is best known for leading the military coup in 2014 that overthrew Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's government and for serving as Thailand's Prime Minister for nearly a decade. Background: Born: March 21, 1954, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Military Career: Prayut had a long and distinguished military career, rising through the ranks to become the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army from 2010 to 2014. His military background and connections made him a significant figure in Thailand's political landscape, particularly during times of crisis. Role in the 2014 Coup: On May 22, 2014, Prayut led a military coup that overthrew the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The coup came after months of political unrest and protests against Yingluck's administration, which Prayut justified as necessary to restore order and stability in the country. Following the coup, Prayut assumed control of the country as the head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the military junta that ruled Thailand. He suspended the constitution, imposed martial law, and severely restricted political freedoms. Prime Ministership: Interim Government: After the coup, Prayut was appointed as the Prime Minister by the military-controlled legislature in August 2014. His government focused on maintaining order, promoting economic development, and drafting a new constitution that was heavily criticized for entrenching military power. 2017 Constitution: Under Prayut's leadership, a new constitution was drafted and approved in a 2017 referendum. The constitution was designed to limit the power of elected politicians and ensure the military's influence in future governments. It included provisions for an appointed Senate, half of which were military officials, and a new electoral system that favored smaller parties, making it harder for any single party to dominate. 2019 General Election: The 2019 election, held under the new constitution, saw Prayut continue as Prime Minister, this time under a quasi-democratic framework. His newly formed Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), which had the backing of the military, managed to form a coalition government despite winning fewer seats than the opposition Pheu Thai Party. The election was widely criticized for being unfair, with allegations of manipulation and irregularities. Controversies and Challenges: Authoritarian Rule: Prayut's tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by a continued crackdown on dissent, censorship, and limitations on political freedoms. His government has been accused of using legal mechanisms to suppress opposition and control the media. Economic Issues: While Prayut initially focused on economic reforms and infrastructure projects, his administration has faced criticism for its handling of the economy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to widespread economic hardship and increased public dissatisfaction. Protests: In 2020, Thailand witnessed large-scale pro-democracy protests, primarily led by young people demanding Prayut's resignation, constitutional reforms, and a reduction in the monarchy's influence. Prayut's government responded with a mix of repression and legal action against protest leaders, but the unrest highlighted significant discontent with his rule. Recent Developments: Prayut remained in power until the 2023 general election, where his party struggled against a resurgent opposition. Despite his long tenure, Prayut's popularity waned, and the political landscape in Thailand began to shift towards new, younger leaders advocating for change. In August 2023, Prayut announced his retirement from politics, signaling the end of an era in Thai politics dominated by military influence. Legacy: Prayut Chan-o-cha's legacy is a deeply mixed one. He is credited with bringing stability to Thailand during a period of intense political turmoil, but his methods—marked by authoritarianism, military control, and suppression of dissent—have left a lasting impact on Thailand's democratic institutions and civil liberties. His time in power is seen as part of a broader trend of military dominance in Thai politics, which has often clashed with democratic movements and aspirations. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the 29th Prime Minister of Thailand Full name: General Prayut Chan-o-cha Date of birth: 21 March 1954 Current position: Prime Minister Education 1971 - Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School, Class 12 1976 - Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Class 23 1976 - Officer class course, Class 51 1981 - Colonel class course, Class 34 1985 - Army Command and General Staff College main course, Class 63 2007 - National Defense College of Thailand, Class 20 Work history 1990 - Commander of the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, King's Guard 1998 – Commander of the 21st Infantry Regiment, King's Guard 2003 – Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, King's Guard 2006 – Commander of the 1st Army Area 2008 – Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army 2009 – Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Army 2010 – Commander of the Royal Thai Army 2014 – Head of the National Council for Peace and Order, 1986 – The Freedom Protection Medal , 2nd Class, Type 1 1990 – The Rama Mala Medal 1999 – Third Class of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao (T.J.W) 2005 – First Class of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant (P.C.) 2008 – Knight Grand Cross (KGE) 2010 – Knight Grand Cross (KGE) Foreign Royal Decorations 2011 – Honorary Malaysian Armed Forces Order for Valour (First Degree) 2011 – Gallant Commander of Malaysian Armed Forces (Malaysia) 2012 – Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) (Republic of Singapore) 2012 – Bintanng Kartika Eka Pakci Utama (Republic of Indonesia) 2013 – Region of Merit (Degree of Commander) (United States) Special Government Service Served under the royal feet 1987 - received a royal command to appoint as a royal bodyguard 1999 - performed duties as assistant to the chief of the special reinforcement officer 1901 - performed duties as deputy chief of the special reinforcement officer 2009 - received a royal command to appoint as a special royal bodyguard 2012 - received a royal command to appoint as a judge of the Supreme Military Court. Received royal command to be a special military officer for the unit 1982 - special military officer assigned to the 21st Infantry Regiment, King's Bodyguard 1984 - special military officer assigned to the 2nd Infantry Regiment, King's Bodyguard 1986 - special military officer assigned to the 1st Infantry Regiment, King's Bodyguard 1985 - special military officer assigned to 11th Infantry Regiment, Royal Guard, Social Award 2005 – Received the Good Thai Society Award in the category of promoting and developing national security. 2006 – Chakdao Honor Award, Military Branch 2010 – Mahidol Waranusorn Award, The National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand under Royal Patronage 2011 – Voted No. 1 Best CEO of the Government Sector and Government Official of the Year by the ABAC Poll Research Center.