Prayut and Palang Pracharat: Who’s impeding whom?

2 Oct 05:25 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha faces a critical decision: either be Palang Pracharat's prime ministerial nominee for the March 24 election or wait for an "outsider" invitation post-election.
The "outsider" scenario requires a 500-vote parliamentary consensus, including 250 senators, to appoint him, allowing him to distance from the party, though this route is considered legally riskier.
The connection between Prayut and Palang Pracharat is mutually detrimental; the party draws criticism for its military association and Prayut's controversies, while the party provides an easy channel for his critics.
Analysts suggest Prayut prioritizes legal legitimacy over political backlash, implying he will choose the path that makes his post-election premiership "legally easier," despite potential intensified criticism.

Flooding persists in Bangkok and 22 provinces

Today 16:00 Key points summarised by AI

Persistent flooding continues across Bangkok and 22 Thai provinces, though water levels are gradually receding in many affected areas.
Over 604,000 families, impacting approximately 1.83 million people, are still grappling with the widespread flood conditions.
The national flood death toll has reached 80 since mid-September, with fatalities reported across various provinces.
Major regions like Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok report significant numbers of affected households, with hundreds of thousands still in trouble.