Introducing “Big Tee,” General Rangsee Kitiyanansap, former Director-General of Channel 5 and classmate of Big Bee, former Army Commander, now the sole prime ministerial candidate from the Economic Party.
On 16 December 2025, following the Election Commission's announcement of the election timeline, February 8, 2026, was set as the official election day, with early voting scheduled for February 1, 2026. Candidate registration for constituency seats was set for December 27–31, 2025, and for party-list seats from December 28–31, 2025. The list of prime ministerial candidates was also announced.
It has been confirmed that the Economic Party will nominate General Rangsee Kitiyanansap (Big Tee), the party leader, as their prime ministerial candidate.
General Rangsee Kitiyanansap, nicknamed Tee, was born on 13 November 1963. He grew up in a family engaged in Buddha statue casting business and completed his secondary education at Saint Gabriel's School. He then attended the 22nd class of the Preparatory Military Academy, the same class as General Narongphan Jitkaewthae (Big Bee), former Army Commander. After graduation, he received a military scholarship to study in the United States. In his personal life, he is married to Major General Wanlapa Kitiyanansap.
General Rangsee began his military career with the 4th Cavalry Battalion, King's Guard. He rose to command positions in tank and armored units. He also gained experience working in community and mass mobilization development in the southern border provinces, overseeing development across more than a hundred villages. Later, he served as advisor to the 1st Army Area and as a special expert to the Army. Nearing retirement, he was entrusted to serve as Director-General of the Army Television Station (Channel 5).
General Rangsee was elected the new party leader at the annual general meeting of the Thread Party on 26 April 2025, following the resignation of Mr. Chris Potranan. On the same day, the party was renamed the Economic Party (ECON), with General Rangsee as leader and Mr. Chris as party chairman.
General Rangsee explained that his entry into politics was a :" "mission for the nation." He emphasized policies focused on national economic recovery and security, particularly following recent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia over border issues. This has rapidly increased his popularity, placing him among the top preferred prime ministerial candidates due to his decisive leadership image. He also declared that the Economic Party is “not affiliated with any color” and “not a nominee of any party,” emphasizing strong anti-corruption policies, including proposals for capital punishment for offenders. His ultimate goal is to lead the government as prime minister.