Book tells story of Prayuth's meteoric rise

 “His name is ‘Tu’” or “Khao Cheu Tu” is published by Nation Books, a subsidiary of Nation Multimedia Group. The book is in Thai and costs Bt160.

The Nation’s sister magazine Nation Weekend has traced Prayuth’s path from the coup in 2006 to the putsch in 2014. 

Among the 20 chapters in the book are the childhood years of Prayuth (also known by his nickname, “Tu”), his decisive day of staging the coup, how the coup was prepared, his knowledge of the art of war as well as his unique sense of humour. 

Here is the preface of the book: 

More than four decades ago, in a column by a high-achieving student published by Chaiyapruk Magazine, a Mattayom 3 (middle high school) student by the name of Prayuth Chan-ocha from Wat Nuannoradit School was asked where he would want to further his education after finishing the school year. The student answered with confidence that he would further his education at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School and hoped to one day become an army officer.

 This son of a rural army officer followed his dream, from being a student at a temple school on the banks of Bang Luang Canal to becoming a student at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School and eventually a student at the prestigious Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, eventually becoming an Army officer.

 Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy moulded and taught him to love the country, religion and monarchy, to love his peers and to be ready to sacrifice for the country as reflected in the pledge: “Better to die than to abandon one’s duty”.

 During the Cold War crisis, civil wars broke out in neighbouring countries and affected Thailand’s border areas. 

The 21st Infantry became his first home as a career soldier and Prayuth had the chance to play a part in protecting the sovereignty of the country.

 This first home was the beginning of a brotherly relationship among three Army officers who were later involved with two major political changes.

 Tu, a member of the Class of 23 at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, shared similarities with another alumnus from the same institution, General Suchinda Kraprayoon, and they both were moulded into soldiers who adhered to military ideology but were also politically savvy.

 This big soldier by the name of Tu is brought to life through accounts by close aides, who shed light on all the nooks and crannies of his life – from tales about his childhood, his love for his peers, his family warmth and his generosity. They offer a vivid depiction of the person behind the notoriously strict image.

 The path towards becoming a visionary Army chief, the truth behind the coup and the path towards becoming the 29th prime minister could not have been a matter of luck alone.