Election in February? Prayut says yes, and then perhaps

13 Sept 21:35 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha confirmed the general election is scheduled for February 24, 2019, at the earliest, rejecting demands for an earlier date.
Gen Prayut also dismissed a tweet from former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who responded to his lighthearted comment about a woman sharing her name.

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.