Turf wars due as campaigns getting ready

Caught in a rare photo together at the wedding of his son in February, 2016, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak looks into the camera during a photograph with ex-Democrat politician Suthep Thaugsuban. (Handout, Dusit Thani Hotel)

The political situation is expected to heat up after several key players clarified their positions over Thai New Year.

As of last week, as many as 98 groups had applied for new party registrations, 15 of which were endorsed.

That aside, attention now goes to two individuals who could shed some light on the country's political prospects.