His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn appointed former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to the privy council, as announced in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday, November 29.
The announcement stated that His Majesty found it appropriate to add another privy councillor at this time, selecting former Prime Minister Prayut for the role. The privy council serves as an advisory body to the Monarchy.
Before assuming his new position, Prayut is required to swear an oath of allegiance. The date for this ceremony is yet to be determined.
According to a report from iLaw, Thailand has historically had 30 prime ministers, but only five, including Prayut, have been appointed to the privy council.
Others include Sanya Dharmasakti (12th PM), Thanin Kraivichien (14th PM), Prem Tinsulanonda (16th PM), and Surayud Chulanont (24th PM).
Gen Prayut, who is 69 years old, served as Thailand’s 29th prime minister. He led the military coup on May 22, 2014, which ousted Yingluck Shinawatra’s administration amid escalating protests over a controversial amnesty bill.
Before the general election on May 14, Gen Prayut, a former army chief, was the top prime ministerial candidate for the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party.
In August this year, he was succeeded by Srettha Thavisin, a political newcomer and real estate tycoon from the Pheu Thai Party.
In July, Gen Prayut announced his intention to retire from politics, marking the end of his nine-year tenure.
