Testing times for the 'brothers-in-arms'

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon campaigns for a candidate of the Palang Pracharath Party ahead of the by-election in Bangkok on Jan 24. This month, his name was raised as a 'reserve PM' if incumbent Prayut Chan-o-cha cannot finish his term. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

The political mercury is rising as the opposition bloc warms up for another challenge to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, this time in the form of a planned no-confidence motion.

Capt Thamanat Prompow, leader of a breakaway faction from the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and now secretary general of newly formed Setthakij Thai, has warned Gen Prayut of a nasty surprise as people in the government camp could act against him during the House debate.