Against public expectations, Sonthi was promoted to Army Commander in October 2005. Sonthi's fast rise was backed by retired armed forces Supreme Commander General Surayud Chulanont (with whom he had served while leading the Special Warfare Command and Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda).
Sonthi's unexpected promotion to Army Commander in October 2005 was supported by General Surayud Chulanont, a retired Supreme Commander of the armed forces who had previously worked with Sonthi while leading the Special Warfare Command and Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda.