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PM joins those hitting back at Pheu Thai party in defence of the military

18 Sept 09:29 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's PM Prayut Chan-o-cha and DPM Prawit Wongsuwan defended military spending and mandatory conscription against growing criticism from the Pheu Thai party, led by prime ministerial candidate Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan.
PM Prayut justified defence spending for both military and non-military operations, including disaster relief and drug crackdowns, while cautioning politicians against undermining national interests.
Pheu Thai's Sudarat proposed cutting defence spending by 10% (20 billion baht) to fund young entrepreneurs and replacing mandatory conscription with a voluntary system if her party wins.
DPM Prawit controversially recommended listening to the song “Nak Paendin” (Burden of the Nation), which the army initially broadcast widely but later restricted to military barracks to avoid public misunderstanding.

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.