Palang Pracharat party has Plan B if Gen Prayut turns down its invitation

13 Sept 13:38 Key points summarised by AI

The pro-Prayut Palang Pracharat party has developed a 'Plan B' for its prime ministerial candidate, should Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha decline their invitation, though they remain confident he will accept by Friday.
Concurrently, other parties like Future Forward and Chart Pattana are submitting their lists of party-list candidates and prime ministerial nominees to the Election Commission, preparing for the upcoming March 24th election.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Yesterday 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham party leaders sparked rumors of a potential merger, though Bhumjaithai's leader, Anutin, downplayed it as a casual meal.
The meeting is widely interpreted as a strategic message from Bhumjaithai to the Pheu Thai party, signaling alternative support ahead of an upcoming no-confidence debate.
Thailand's Constitution (Section 99) currently prohibits direct mergers of parties with sitting MPs during the House's term, a rule designed to prevent the 'buying and selling' of MPs.
While direct mergers are restricted, MPs can still switch parties if dismissed by a three-fourths party vote or if their party dissolves, allowing for indirect political realignments.
Kla Tham's voting behavior in the censure debate will demonstrate its loyalty to the government, potentially influencing future political dynamics despite current merger restrictions.