The forces behind Suthep are led by former defence minister General Prawit Wongsuwan and former army chief General Anupong Paochinda, towering figures in Thailand's military establishment, said two military sources with direct knowledge of the matter and a third with connections to Thai generals.
A glimpse into Suthep's connections sheds light on how he could prevail in a seemingly improbable bid to oust a leader who won a 2011 election by a landslide and impose rule by an unelected "People's Council" of appointed "good people", even as his street rallies start to flag.
Although retired, Anupong, 64, and Prawit, 67, still wield influence in a powerful and highly politicised military that has played a pivotal role in a country that has seen 18 successful or attempted coups in the past 81 years..