Prayut Chan-o-cha

Prayut and Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, then Minister of Tourism and Sports

On 30 May 2014, Prayut gave his first of a series of Friday night speeches on national television.[51] Preempting normal broadcasting, including Thai soap operas,[52] Prayut sometimes spoke for more than an hour, explaining governmental policies, warning the media to cease spreading dissenting views, and complaining that people weren't minding him. "Sometimes I feel a bit slighted. I am not sure whether you have heard me or listened to the information that we have sent out", he once said.[53] In March 2015, Prayut announced that his Friday night addresses would be shortened to 20 or 30 minutes and would include his ministers speaking for themselves. "I'm tired of speaking for hours," he said. "So from now on, I will reduce the duration of my 'Returning Happiness to People' speech ever [sic] Friday and will have my ministers who oversee each topic to speak in the programme."[54]

On 31 March 2015, Prayut announced that he had taken the required step of asking the king's permission to revoke martial law, which had been in place since the coup of May 2014, to be replaced with Article 44 of the interim constitution. Article 44 authorises the junta chairman 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." The Bangkok Post commented, "The 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'".[55] "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".[56] Prayut told reporters that he would not use Article 44 to violate the civil rights of anyone who is innocent. "If you didn't do anything wrong, why are [you] worried?" he snapped in response to a question. According to Article 44, the prime minister is not required to inform the government before issuing an order, but must notify the interim parliament "without delay".[57] In August 2016, Article 44 was used to suspend Sukhambhand Paribatra, the governor of Bangkok, after irregularities made by the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG).[58]

Prayut at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C., 2016

Prayut with Russian President Vladimir Putin

In February 2015, Prayut declared he had the power to forcefully close media outlets.[59] In March, when asked how the government would deal with journalists who did not adhere to the government's laws, he replied jokingly,[60][61] "We'll probably just execute them. You don't have to support the government, but you should report the truth." He told reporters to write in a way that bolsters national reconciliation in the kingdom.[62] His remarks were promptly condemned by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).[63]

Prayut with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, 2017

The prime minister has claimed that Thailand's economic slowdown is not attributable to his government, but is due to the world 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’s economy towards becoming more value-based and innovation driven. Its flagship project is the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in the eastern part of Thailand where promotional zones were designated to attract foreign investment in new industries such as aviation, medical care and renewable energy.[64] In a speech before the Federation of Thai Industries, Prayut 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".[65]

In his nationwide address of 27 March 2015, the prime minister focused on the Thai fishing industry and its reliance on forced labour. Gen Prayut said that his government had elevated the fight against human trafficking to the top of the national agenda, the same as drug suppression, saying it has long tarnished the country's image. He blamed worsening human trafficking, particularly in the fishing industry, on inaction or ignorance by the previous government, toppled in his 22 May coup. Prayut vowed to put fishing operators out of business if they are found to violate laws and abuse workers in ways that jeopardise Thai exports worth hundreds of billions of baht a year. Thailand is facing international bans of its fisheries products. These bans could be extended to other Thai exports like rice or rubber. "The people who do wrong in this area must repent. They have done this for a long time, for many years, and past administrations were never able to cope", he said.[66]

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. He said, "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."[67][68] He later admitted during his weekly television program that his words were harsh, but had the intention of encouraging tourists to be more cautious when they are in certain places, especially at night. He extended his sympathy to the family of the victims and also apologized.[69]

Buddhism in Thailand came under significantly higher state control during Prayut's premiership. Following the coup, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) set up a National Reform Council with a religious committee led by former Thai senator Paiboon Nititawan and former monk Mano Laohavanich. The calls for reform were led by one of Prayut's close allies, activist monk Phra Buddha Issara,[70] known for leading the violent protests in Bangkok that led to the coup.[71][72][73]

State influence over several aspects of Thai Buddhism increased under Prayut's government. During this time, the ruling junta proposed requiring temples to open their finances to the public[74] and requiring monks to carry smart cards to identify their legal and religious backgrounds.[75][76] The measures were aimed at increasing transparency and efficiency in the management of temples and registration of monks, and were endorsed by the Sangha Supreme Council. The new constitution promulgated in 2017 indicates that the state shall support Buddhism and other religions as well as in disseminating the teachings of Theravada Buddhism.[77][78][79]

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.[80] 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.[81][82] This led to the appointment of a monk from the Dhammayuttika Nikaya instead by King Rama X, who chose the name out of one of five given to him by Prayut.[83]

Prayut with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Bangkok, 2017

In 2017, Prayut used article 44 to replace the head of the National Office of Buddhism with a Department of Special Investigation (DSI) official.[84] However, in August 2017, 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 the image of monks. Phra Buddha Issara said the junta gave in to pressure too easily given government promises to fight corruption.[85]

Prayut with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 2018

In May 2018, the NCPO launched simultaneous raids of four different temples to arrest several monks shortly after a crackdown on protesters on the anniversary of the coup.[86][87] To the surprise of many officials, one of the monks arrested was Phra Buddha Issara, known for his ties to Prayut.[88] The right-wing monk was arrested for charges brought against him in 2014, including alleged robbery and detaining officials, however, his most serious charge was a charge of unauthorized use of the royal seal filed in 2017.[88][89][90] Police did not state why he was just then being arrested for charges filed as far back as four years ago, one activist stated he believed it was because of an order from an undisclosed influential figure.[88] Former Senator Paiboon, who led the NCPO's tightening control of Buddhism, also expressed surprise at the arrest.[91] All of the monks arrested in the May raids were defrocked shortly after being taken into custody, and detained before trial.[92][note 1]

Prayut at 2019 G20 Osaka summit

• In the aftermath of the slaying of two British tourists on Ko Tao, Prime Minister Prayut observed that, "There are always problems with tourist safety,...They think our country is beautiful and is safe so they can do whatever they want, they wear bikinis and walk everywhere....Can they be safe in bikinis...unless they are not beautiful?"[94] He later admitted during his weekly televised speech that his words were harsh but only had the intention to encourage tourists to be more cautious in certain places especially at night. He expressed his sympathy to the family of the victims and apologized.[95]
• The prime minister has asked the media not to report on human trafficking to suppress the country's flaws without considering how the news will impact the country's seafood industry and its reputation abroad. "Please don't escalate this news," Prayut told reporters in advance of a Channel 3 report about Thai nationals forced into slaving on Thai fishing boats in Indonesian waters. "The media should consider the impact the news will have on the country," he said. "It may cause problems, and affect national security ... If this news gets widely published, [it could raise] problems of human trafficking and IUU Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing." He warned that if any news reports cause Thailand's seafood industry to lose customers, "the people who published the news will have to be held responsible." The government will summon the Channel 3 journalist, Thapanee Ietsrichai, who has been reporting on the plight of Thai men labouring on the ships. "Let me tell you now, Thapanee will have to come see officials," said Prayut.[96]
• In a speech marking Thailand's National Media Day on 5 March 2015, Prime Minister Prayut urged journalists to go beyond merely "reporting the facts". "This morning, someone said the media needs to be impartial. No. I don't think they should say that. It isn't good,...What they should say is, first, media should report news that is factual. Second, they should support the government's efforts to move the country forward. And third, they should help reduce conflicts in society, and create understanding about the government's policies that give clear results. Can you not do these three or four things together, dears?" He went on to say, "If this person says, this side good, that side not good, if media keeps presenting news like that, when will our country have peace?" The general then wished the media happiness and told the journalists to "be good reporters, be quality reporters, and be lovely reporters."[97]
• Gen Prayut pledged to use Article 44 powers to address the nation's failure to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. The prime minister placed the blame on staffing issues, noting that the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) only has 13 aviation safety inspectors.[98] The DCA employs 1,514.[99]
• In his weekly Friday night "Returning Happiness to the People" televised broadcast of 24 April 2015, Prime Minister Gen Prayut conceded that Section 44 powers will not be enough to resolve illegal fishing issues that have prompted an EU warning and possible ban on Thai exports within the six-month period stipulated by the EU. He noted that it was a long-standing problem and that, "I cannot use Article 44 to solve every problem, I cannot use it to solve expensive limes, to solve the economy or to solve the ICAO aviation safety concern problem. Section 44 is just for allowing military officers to do what they could not do in the past." During the same program, the prime minister reported progress on tackling forest encroachment, saying the government had reclaimed more than 35 million rai (56,000 km²) of illegally occupied public forests.[100]
• At an anti-corruption event in Bangkok on 8 June 2015,[101] Prayut vowed to eliminate corruption and repair Thailand's tarnished international image.[102] At one point, responding to media questions, he stated, "Don't try to fool me and act like you can do or say anything 'because we are a democracy....'" "Do you misunderstand something? Today, I am the one makes the rules. Previous governments couldn't do that. But today, I made the rules [sic], and all of you have to follow them."[103]
• Speaking to a visiting group of young Thais who were raised abroad, Prime Minister Prayut said, "...many groups try...to compare our monarchy with other nations. This cannot be done, because our [monarchy] has a long, ancient history. They [Thai monarchs] are like deities. Our King is not involved with anyone. He is above all disputes. When someone violates him, we need to use Section 112 of the Criminal Codes, which is like a libel law, because whenever someone insults us, we can sue them, but if it's the monarchy, [the royal family] cannot sue them. This is because His Majesty is not involved with anyone, and he is under the constitution, and under every law that the government has created to protect him. Yet, people see it as human rights issue. Let me ask you: if someone insults your father, would you give in? We wouldn't. But if it happens to our parents, they can sue. But since His Majesty the King is not involved, he cannot sue, and who would take care of him? Thai people have to. Whoever doesn't understand this is not a Thai. They are awful. This is a sensitive matter. I would like to ask the audience to explain that the monarchy of Thailand is not like the monarchy in any other country."[104]
• In a speech launching the Discover Thainess 2015 festival, Prayut declared that disagreeing with his vision "...was incompatible with the very nature of 'Thainess'. 'Whoever causes chaos to Thailand or disrupts peace and order, they should not be recognised as Thais, because Thais do not destroy each other,...The charm of the Thai people is that they look lovely even when they do nothing, because they have smiles,...'”[48]
• "If seafood is expensive then don't eat it. Leave it to the wealthy. I cannot ensure equality in this manner. If you want to eat expensive items then you must work hard and find a lot of money....We cannot pull everyone to the same level."[105]
• Announcing the Public Assembly Act, which took effect on 13 August 2015, Gen 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 Government House, 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. "This law will be strictly enforced to prevent the type of nuisance and violence that happened in the past," Prayut told reporters. "It's not possible to have it all—happiness, equality, democracy—without giving us the tools."[106]
• A bomb exploded at Bangkok's Erawan Shrine on 17 August 2015, killing 20 and injuring 125 persons. Commenting on the search for those responsible, Prime Minister Prayut, who had earlier rejected an offer of investigative help from the US, suggested that Thailand's senior police educate themselves about how to investigate the bombing by watching Blue Bloods, a fictional New York Police crime series. "Police investigators, especially the national police chiefs, should watch this series," Prayut told journalists. "They will get tips, ideas and insights into their case."[107]
• The prime minister said in an August 2015 press conference that politicians have no right to criticise the new, draft constitution. Rival politicians have urged the National Reform Council to reject the new charter, citing numerous defects. "They have no right to suggest that to anyone." Prayut told reporters. "Why do the media give a platform to these people?...These people, now that they are being harsh to me, I will have to be harsh in return,...There's no need for a prohibition [gag order] now. But when the time comes, I will deal with them," Prayut said. "Today I have to teach people to think....Today we are still stuck in the trap of democracy, a trap of conflicts," he fumed. "We still let emotions dictate our judgment. We have to fix these issues."[108]
• In November 2015, he was quoted "If they want to engage in activism or whatever, it’s up to them. If they aren’t afraid of the laws, it’s up to them, and if someone finds a gun and shoot them, or throws grenades at them, well, they have to live with that. If they aren’t afraid, it’s up to them."[109]
• Unveiling the government's 2015 year-end assessment of its achievements during the year, Prime Minister Prayut 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. "The law says you can't do this and yet they still do it,..." he lamented. Prayut's government pointed to a survey conducted by the National Statistical Office which found that 99.3 percent of 2,700 Thais surveyed were satisfied with the government's performance.[110]
• In the event showcasing governmental achievements in 2015, PM Prayut told his top supporters that it is "...up to the middle class to swarm to the polls and defeat the poor who are just after government handouts....If they [political parties] use the same old campaign strategy, they will come [to power] with the votes of the poor who want more money to make their life better," he said. "The people in the middle- and upper income ranges have to...cast their votes in national polls and the charter referendum too."[111] During the same week he disparaged the poor looking for handouts, the government announced a slate of "New Year's gifts" to the populace. These included tax breaks on purchases made between 25–31 December, toll-free expressways, and discounted appliances and other governmental largesse.[112]
• On 25 December 2015 Prime Minister Prayut said that he would no longer put up with criticisms from "irresponsible newspaper columnists" and had instructed officials to invite them for "talks". He said the media should not accuse him of depriving them of free expression as he had already made clear to them the limits of free expression and media responsibilities.[113]
• "Why don't people respect the laws instead of asking for democracy and human rights all the time?...No one is allowed to oppose [the NCPO]. I dare you to try to oppose [the NCPO]...I don't care what the international community would think about this. I will send officials to explain to foreign embassies. I am not afraid of them. I will tell them to understand that this is Thailand and we are enforcing Thai laws."[114]
• Speaking at a vocational training gathering on 29 January 2015, Prayut veered off-topic and launched into a discussion of gender roles. "Everybody's saying that we should create equality, women and men should have the same rights, should be able to do the same good and bad things—if that's the case, if that's how you think, Thai society will deteriorate!" He went on, "Women are the gender of motherhood, the gender of giving birth. When you return home...who is it? Who has a wife? Isn't the wife looking after the home? At home she's the big boss, isn't she? Outside I'm the boss—at work, everywhere I have lots of authority. When I return home, I have to be quiet because she's looking after the home, the kids, everything in the house. I haven't done anything at home since we married, she's doing everything."[115]
• In the final week of March 2016, Prayut attended a Nuclear Security Summit in Washington DC. While there, he granted an interview to the Thai section of the Voice of America. In the interview, Prayut charged that disaffected politicians who had fled Thailand following the May 2014 coup had hired lobbyists in the US to spread propaganda discrediting his government. He cited fabricated lies that his government had murdered 400-500 journalists and had imprisoned thousands of Thai citizens. This in spite of the fact that there are no reports of such stories in the media.[116][117]
• Matichon Online reported on Tuesday, 12 April 2016, that Prayut, before a cabinet meeting, greeted people with his convivial wishes for the Songkran holiday. Prayut urged Thais to wear traditional Thai costumes for the holiday and to refrain from baring too much of their bodies during the festival. According to Prayut, "...women are like candies or desserts which should be wrapped nicely..." because people will not buy unwrapped candies or desserts.[118] "During Songkran, I ask that women wear proper clothes, Thai style, so they would look good and civilized," said Prayut, a father of two daughters. He asserted that women "are like toffee or candy," which people would shun if already unwrapped.[119]
• Speaking of the draft constitution, on 19 April 2016, Prayut said, "They [critics] have no rights to say that they disagree [with the draft constitution]...I don't allow anyone to debate or hold a press conference about the draft constitution. Yet they still disobey my orders. They will be arrested and jailed for 10 years. No one will be exempted when the Referendum Act becomes effective [after publication in the Royal Gazette]. Not even the media. Why don’t people respect the law instead of asking for democracy and human rights all the time?"[120]
• On 11 July 2016, 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. "If things remain unsettled, I will draft it [the constitution] myself,...There is nothing in this world I can’t do. As a soldier, I've been through a lot, risking my life so many times. When I was in the infantry...I underwent parachute training. I had to jump and land by myself. Once I deployed the parachute, I knew that I can do anything."[121][122] The following day Prayut retracted his statement, attributing it to a slip of the tongue. He blamed the media for highlighting his thoughtless words and putting him in a bad mood.[123]
• On 10 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. Gen Prayut said that societal conflicts arise from social and economic disparity and an educational system that fails to instill a proper way of thinking.[124]
• On 9 December 2017, Prayut, speaking at an event to mark international Anti-Corruption Day, said that he has no tolerance for graft and said that Thai citizens should have zero tolerance for graft.[125]
• On 12 December 2017, Prayut defended Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, blaming the media for asking questions about possible impropieties in order to divide Prayut and Prawit. Prawit was in the media spotlight for being seen wearing a watch and ring worth millions of baht. Prayut said that, "Many people target him [Prawit], and want him to be divided from me. You [the media] all know this very well....If nobody is beside me,...I will be fiercer. I will fully exercise my power," he said.[126]
• In January 2018 Prayut attributed the success of Thailand's tourism industry to the country's stability. "Under my administration, the country is peaceful and stable, attracting larger numbers of tourists every year," he said.[127]
• In response to a Gambian minister's off-hand remark that "If you want a sex destination, you go to Thailand" Prayut said, "We have to help make Pattaya and other tourism areas quality tourist attractions and free of this [sex tourism]". He went on to add that some people work in the sex business as they "follow the fashion of buying luxury goods.”[128]

Prayut is a published songwriter.[129] In the aftermath of the 2014 coup, Prayut wrote a song called "Return Happiness to Thailand",[130] which is widely played on state radio and television stations.[131] The song communicates that the Thai people had not been happy as a result of the political crisis, and that the junta has come to return happiness to the people.

As a New Year 2016 gift to the Thai people, General Prayut announced that he had written a new song to boost the country's morale. "I wrote it as a personal New Year present for the people," Gen. Prayut said. "In the lyrics, it doesn't only mean me, but it means the media, too, because everyone is united and I have to please them. I use my every breath to help this country move forward." The song, "Because You Are Thailand",[132] sung by Sergeant-Major Pongsathorn Porjit, includes the lyrics, "The day we hope for is not far away" and "Because you are Thailand, you will not let anyone destroy you."[110][131]

Just ahead of Valentine's Day 2018, lyricist Prayut released a new song, "Diamond Heart".[133] The lyrics urge his lover, presumably Thailand, to "...build our hearts dream together...." The song was sung by Sergeant Major 1st Class Pongsathorn Porjit with vocal arrangement by Major Thanyawapisit Jirakittipasukul under the creative direction of Major General Kissada Sarika.[134]

In April 2018, Prayut released "Fight for the Nation", his sixth song.[135][136]

In January 2019, ahead of the general election, Prayut released "In Memory".[137] The song starts with the singer recounting past memories of conflict, alluding to the Thai political unrest before the coup. The singer goes on to say that reconciliation has been difficult but he will never forget the heartbreaking past. Next, the singer urges the listener to think and make decisions carefully in the journey ahead, otherwise the traumatic events of the past will repeat themselves. The chorus ends with the singer asking the listener to "hold [his] hand and proceed onward together." This allusion to the forthcoming election is not the first time Prayut has issued a warning regarding elections. He often blames the country's political problems on people electing "bad people".[138][139]

Also in 2019, Prayut released "New Day",[140] and his tenth song, "Thai is Thai March", the latter inspired by the king's coronation.[141]

•  Thailand:
  • Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
  • Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
  • Grand Companion of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
  • Member of the Rama Medal for Gallantry in Action of the Most Honourable Order of Rama
  • Recipient of the Freemen Safeguarding Medal (Second Class)
  • Recipient of the Border Service Medal
  • Recipient of the King Bhumibol Adulyadej Court Medal
  • Recipient of the King Bhumibol Adulyadej Diamond Jubilee Medal
  • Recipient of the 7th Cycle Birthday Medal of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
  • Recipient of the 60th Birthday Medal of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn
  • Recipient of the 60th Birthday Medal of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
  • Recipient of the 84th Birthday Medal of Queen Sirikit
  • Recipient of the Coronation Medal of King Rama X

•  Brunei:
  • Recipient of the Sultan of Brunei Golden Jubilee Medal (2017)