Why Thamanat and Thai Economic Party could be PM Prayut’s worst nightmare

13 Sept 06:16 Key points summarised by AI

Thamanat Prompow, now secretary-general of the Thai Economic Party, commands 18 MPs, transforming him into an independent power broker with significant leverage against PM Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The Thai Economic Party's crucial 18 votes could decide PM Prayut's fate in upcoming no-confidence debates, as the government's already slim majority makes their support indispensable.
Thamanat, a former adversary, continues to exert pressure on Prayut by demanding Cabinet seats and refusing to commit his party's support, making him a persistent and unpredictable political threat.
The party aims to be a kingmaker in future elections, attracting dissatisfied MPs and potentially aligning with either major political camp, further destabilizing Prayut's long-term political future.

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