Dust settling down in Thailand’s political “Games of Thrones”

23 Sept 06:05 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's upcoming February election reveals three distinct political camps: the pro-Prayut alliance, the Pheu Thai-led coalition, and a 'sitting-on-the-fence' group led by the Democrats.
The pro-Prayut alliance, requiring 126 seats and Senate endorsement, strategically aims to retain Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The rival Pheu Thai-led coalition employs a 'satellite' strategy, targeting 376 seats to completely block Prayut or destabilize a Senate-backed government.
A third, loose alliance, spearheaded by the Democrats, emerges as a potential kingmaker, capable of influencing the premiership or even fielding its own candidate if the main camps deadlock.
The election's outcome, particularly the seat distribution, will dictate the stability of the next government, with a clear winner preventing intense post-election negotiations.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Yesterday 22:44 Key points summarised by AI

A 67-year-old woman drove her car through the glass frontage of a Bangkok shopping mall, injuring six people, including a six-year-old girl.
The driver claimed she accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake after being startled, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
She apologized to the victims, promising insurance coverage and additional financial aid, while police continue to gather statements before filing charges.