Prayut and Palang Pracharat: A marriage waiting to happen

13 Sept 13:41 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha must soon decide between joining the Palang Pracharat Party's PM candidate list or waiting for a parliamentary invitation.
Palang Pracharat is actively pushing to nominate Prayut, who faces a tight deadline to clarify his political future amidst upcoming national events.
Numerically, aligning with Palang Pracharat is the easier path, leveraging the party's potential seats and the Senate's support to secure the premiership.
The alternative 'outsider' route, requiring a parliamentary deadlock and a massive consensus, is considered highly improbable by political analysts.
The political consensus suggests Prayut's alliance with Palang Pracharat is an imminent 'marriage,' with his formal acceptance anticipated shortly.

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.