Gen Rangsee Kitiyanasap is being tipped as Thailand’s potential next political kingmaker, riding a surge of nationalism into an election expected early next year.
The tough-talking leader of the Economic Party – which has also promised the death penalty for corrupt state officials – has become a new darling of Thai conservatives.
Recent opinion polls show his popularity has jumped, landing him in the league of leading conservative figures such as former prime minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha and United Thai Nation Party leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Prayut’s former PM secretary-general.
Rangsee’s fledgling party also fared surprisingly well in recent surveys, leading many analysts to mark it as a potential dark horse in the upcoming national vote.
Opinion polls conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) in November showed the opposition People’s Party and its leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, ahead in most regions surveyed, though southern voters still favoured the opposition Democrats and their returning leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva.
However, Rangsee and his party gained a notable share of support.
In the South, he registered 2.4% – ahead of Pirapan and just behind Prayut – in a poll topped by Abhisit, followed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the ruling Bhumjaithai Party and Natthaphong.
Support for Rangsee was stronger in the Central region, at 3.9%, where Natthaphong led the poll ahead of Anutin, Abhisit, and Pheu Thai Party leader Julapun Amornvivat.
He fared even better in eastern provinces, coming fourth with 5.6%, behind Natthaphong, Anutin, and Abhisit.
Meanwhile, a late October survey of Northeast voters showed the Economic Party in seventh spot, ahead of Palang Pracharath – the former ruling party that carried Prayut to power in 2019. Rangsee ranked as the sixth-most popular politician in the Northeast.
Playing nationalism card
Rangsee has appeared frequently on television news and social media in recent months, delivering hardline views on issues ranging from online scams targeting Thais to tensions with Cambodia.
The retired general has demanded tough action against any Thai politicians or businesspeople linked to scam centres in neighbouring countries, while urging a stronger national security stance along the Cambodian border.
He has even accused Cambodian strongman Hun Sen of trying to buy off Thai politicians with links to scam syndicates in a bid to control Thailand’s government and Parliament after the upcoming election.
“If that day comes, Thailand will become a money-laundering centre for scam gangs or a vassal state of Cambodia,” he warned.
Rangsee will lead the Economic Party – rebranded early this year from a small outfit known as Zendai, or “Thread” – in its debut general election.
Analysts have labelled the party “neoconservative” for its mix of young and older members and fusion of traditional values with new economic and technological ideas.
Rangsee launched the party in April, declaring “zero corruption” enforced with the death penalty as one of four “key policy pillars” designed to pull Thailand out of its worsening economic crisis.
“Capital punishment for corruption offences is necessary to restore public confidence, create transparency, and shore up economic stability,” he said.
Analysts see Rangsee’s hardline nationalist stance as a calculated strategy to boost voter support for his small party. They expect the Economic Party to gain seats in the party-list vote but lose out to local political dynasties in constituencies.
General turned politician
Born on November 13, 1963, Rangsee attended the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School before graduating from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy.
He began his military career as a second lieutenant in the 4th Cavalry Battalion of the Royal Guards, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel and earning the command of a tank battalion.
He went on to oversee the Army’s public relations and community development work in the insurgency-hit southern border provinces, working with local leaders to improve the well-being of residents.
Next came a promotion to major general and appointment as adviser to the First Army Area, before rising to lieutenant general and senior specialist under the Office of the Defence Ministry’s permanent secretary.
Rangsee served as managing director of the Army-run Channel 5 until March 2022, when he stepped down amid controversy over the station’s coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Channel 5 had agreed to collaborate with the Russian Embassy in its coverage of the war, sparking accusations that the station had sacrificed its neutrality. He had been promoted to full general by the time he took mandatory retirement in October 2023.
He was appointed party leader in April, replacing Chris Potranandana – now the party’s chairman – at a Zendai general meeting that also approved changing its name to the Economic Party.
