Gen Chalermchai is from the "red beret" Special Warfare Command (SWC) where he had served in intelligence and secret services throughout his career. Gen Prayut is also known to have a close relationship with Gen Surayud as both once worked together serving Her Majesty the Queen. A quiet, calm and discreet personality, Gen Chalermchai possesses a strong "special warfare character" with the ability to keep secrets. After that he rose to the rank of one of the five tigers in the army -- assistant army chief, the last post before the latest promotion. The other three are Gen Wimol Wongwanich, Gen Surayud and Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin.

Source: Bangkok Post September 14, 2016 22:22 UTC