[Macboatmaster]

I have read that you cannot do this
I believe Google Chrome is looking at the situation due to the number of people asking
I appreciate the link below shows it on the right, but I believe, as you say that the latest Chrome has moved it to the left, as you show
How to Enable or Disable the Tab Search Icon in Chrome (howtogeek.com)

 

[Macboatmaster]

It does appear that the new downward facing arrow, cannot as I said be removed
Remove the Tab Search Arrow from Chrome without using flags? - Super User

good luck with the playlist

 

[Macboatmaster]

That appears to be the general theme of the feedback on the issue.
The problem with something like this is that - as a free provider of a browser, they will of course do what they wish, and unless 1000`s complain there is no chance they will change it

I do not use it I am a great fan of Edge
It is of course based on Chrome