Prawit addresses local leaders during a visit to Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat on Sept19, 2022. - AFP
BANGKOK (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): Thailand's interim Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan has taken on his new role with vigour - a position, albeit temporary, that will allow him to raise his profile and consolidate power for his party as the national polls loom.
Since Prawit was bumped up from deputy PM to caretaker premier in late August after Prayut Chan-O-Cha was suspended from duties as prime minister, the 77-year-old has attended high-level international and local meetings and made his way around Bangkok's flooded zones.
Prawit also met opposition-linked Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to discuss and monitor the capital's flooding situation - an unusual move for the usually aloof politician.
Many have noticed a considerable difference in Prawit's appearance and demeanour.
Previously, the former army chief, who reportedly suffers heart problems, often appeared frail at events, relying on his aides for physical support to walk or stand. On occasion, he was also caught on camera stumbling.
But the seasoned politician appeared healthy and walked unaided as he made numerous government and party-related visits to provinces throughout September.
Asked by reporters about his sudden sprightliness, Prawit quoted lyrics from a song by popular Thai singer Thongchai "Bird" McIntyre, saying: "I use my heart to boost my energy."
Chulalongkorn University political scientist Pitch Pongsawat noted: "He's doing all he can to make him and his party look good. He needs to help the party and himself regain some popularity among the people."
Prawit leads the pro-military Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), whose popularity has been waning as it continues to face criticism over the coalition government's handling of the pandemic and weak economic recovery. Several party members have also defected.
Opinion polls have similarly signalled Prayut's declining popularity and the premier has also faced four no-confidence votes in Parliament.
"Prawit might have (had) trouble walking, but he has the best political health in the country," said Dr Paul Chambers, a lecturer from the Centre of Asean Community Studies at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok province in northern Thailand.
Prawit still commands much political influence as PPRP head and, in his role as caretaker PM, he is now "strengthening his hold on power", said Dr Chambers.
He could also be making moves to ensure his temporary position becomes a permanent one, said Dr Chambers, noting the recent appointment of the new national police chief Damrongsak Kittiprapas.
Prayut, 68, on the other hand, has maintained a relatively low profile while continuing as defence minister, a portfolio he also held as premier.
He became PM in 2014 after staging a coup that year, and opposition lawmakers have filed a court case against him for breaching the 2017 Constitution law that limits a prime minister's maximum term to eight years.
His fate will be known when the court delivers its verdict, expected to be on Sept 30.
Rumours have swirled about whether Prawit, who has largely acted behind the scenes in his role as the PPRP's power broker, had any part to play in the suspension.
"Sources tell me that Prawit has always wanted to be the head, but was often relegated to the background. He might want more, and the premiership is the only position he has not held yet," said Dr Chambers.
"With Prayut gone, Prawit then becomes the most viable option as the PM candidate, and he looks like he wants it."
The relationship between Prayut and Prawit has been said to be strained in the past year, although they have denied this.
Dr Pitch does not believe that Prayut is being elbowed out.
"I don't think Prawit is going to break up with Prayut totally. If Prayut is removed, how can the PPRP claim the success of its administration in the last few years?" said Dr Pitch. "They still need each other."
He added: "Ultimately, bringing Prayut back (as PM) will save face for the PPRP. But the legitimacy of the current regime will be tarnished because of this."
