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Does Thammanat Prompao still have power to change course of Thai politics?

13 Sept 09:24 Key points summarised by AI

Thammanat Prompao's new leadership of the Thai Economic Party is unlikely to significantly alter Thai politics or the upcoming no-confidence debate against PM Prayut, according to analysts.
Experts argue Thammanat's influence thrives in "underground" operations and through connections, not in the spotlight, limiting his political progress despite his new party role.
His arrogance and inability to attract high-profile technocrats hinder long-term success, with his party projected to lose half its seats in the next election.
With only 18 MPs, Thammanat lacks the power to oust the government; his actions in the censure debate are more likely aimed at retaliating against his rivals within the ruling party rather than directly targeting the PM.

Today 14:58 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government will launch the "Chainat-Pasak-Gulf" water diversion canal project in fiscal year 2027, a seven-year mega-infrastructure initiative.
This permanent structural solution aims to mitigate recurrent central plains flooding by diverting water from the Chao Phraya River directly into the Gulf of Thailand, significantly reducing flow to major cities like Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul justifies the long-term investment as a means to reduce future damages and fiscal burdens, contrasting it with the 40-50 billion baht spent annually on short-term flood relief.
Concurrently, the Prime Minister instructed officials to expand drainage capacity into the Tha Chin River and swiftly remove water hyacinths to improve immediate flood management.