BANGKOK -- Simmering tensions between Gen. Apirat Kongsompong, Thailand's powerful army chief, and leaders of pro-democracy parties hover over Sunday's elections. Seasoned observers fear the elections may be a prelude to Thailand's next coup, rather than a return to a semblance of democracy after nearly five years of military rule.
The anxiety stems from the possibility of election results not favoring Palang Pracharat, the junta's newly formed proxy party that has nominated incumbent Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha as its prime ministerial candidate.
