Parties step up membership recruitment campaign

23 Sept 01:45 Key points summarised by AI

Political parties are intensifying membership recruitment and establishing branch offices, cautiously navigating a ban on formal electioneering by focusing on constituent engagement.
Palang Pracharat leaders met with farming SMEs in Nakhon Pathom, while Pheu Thai opened a second branch office in Chiang Mai, aiming to meet legal requirements for future elections.
Newly-formed Future Forward actively recruits, especially young people, using caravans with posters, and Palang Polamuang Thai announced plans to contest all 350 constituencies nationwide, including fielding female candidates in all 30 Bangkok constituencies.

Civic groups oppose plan to shift Thai PBS, three other bodies to state budget

Yesterday 17:04 Key points summarised by AI

Civic groups, including those representing labourers and older people, submitted a protest letter demanding the Bhumjaithai Party withdraw bills to shift funding for four organizations (Thai PBS, Older Persons Fund, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Sports Authority of Thailand) from earmarked taxes to the central government budget.
Leaders argue these organizations were established for public interest, supporting public service media, elder care, public health, and sports development, and any amendments should consider all stakeholders' views.
Over 70% of parliamentary poll respondents opposed the proposed changes, prompting civic leaders to call on the ruling party to respect the people's will and withdraw the bills.
A network of slum dwellers also opposes the funding changes, threatening a rally if the government fails to address their demands.