From property tycoon to Thai leader

Man of the hour: Srettha (centre) flanked by Paetongtarn and Chaikasem seen in this file photo. Should Srettha fail to muster enough votes, Pheu Thai can nominate one of its two other candidates – Paetongtarn or Chaikasem. — Reuters

Srettha Thavisin, a former property tycoon and a political newcomer, is set to take a shot at becoming Thailand’s next prime minister in a vote scheduled today that may help resolve a months-long political impasse.

While backed by a coalition of populist and conservative parties, Srettha’s fate rests on the military-appointed Senate, whose 250 members vote in a joint assembly with 500 elected lawmakers.