EC to cap election spending at 2 million baht for MP candidate

13 Sept 20:55 Key points summarised by AI

The Election Commission (EC) proposes capping individual MP candidate spending at 2 million baht and party-list spending at 20-70 million baht to ensure clean and fair elections.
The EC will consider inflation and living costs when finalizing these limits, while acknowledging the challenge of monitoring online campaign spending due to supporter activity.

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.