PM Prayut tours Bangkok for first-hand look at traffic gridlock

14 Sept 02:37 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha personally toured Bangkok to assess traffic issues and progress on transport network upgrades.
His inspection included visiting a police traffic control center, riding the BTS Skytrain (his first in almost a decade), and receiving briefings on integrated transport solutions.
The Prime Minister also explored community development and tourism projects along canals in Thonburi via a boat ride, engaging with local residents.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Yesterday 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and Kla Tham leader Capt. Thamanat Prompow ignited widespread speculation about a potential merger between their parties.
The meeting is viewed as a strategic message to coalition partner Pheu Thai, indicating Bhumjaithai's alternative options following Pheu Thai's chief whip's remarks about not fully defending all ministers in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
A direct merger between parties with sitting MPs is currently prohibited by Section 99 of the Constitution until the House's term expires, though MPs can switch parties through dismissal or party dissolution.
These constitutional rules aim to prevent financially strong parties from easily absorbing smaller ones, a practice that historically led to single-party dominance, as seen with Thai Rak Thai's 2005 election victory.