Although Bhumjaithai (BJT) leaders insist the party remains united, a series of recent developments has fuelled speculation over whether Thailand's dominant coalition partner is facing more than routine political tensions.
Attention has focused on reports of disagreements over appointments, the increasingly prominent role of party secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob and the relationship between party leader and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the party's de facto patriarch, Newin Chidchob.