Appeals Court upholds 2-year prison term on ex-Pheu Thai leader Yongyuth

14 Sept 02:09 Key points summarised by AI

The Appeals Court upheld a two-year prison sentence for former Pheu Thai leader Yongyuth Vichaidit due to malfeasance in office concerning the Alpine golf course land.
Yongyuth was convicted for illegally overturning an order to maintain the land's status as temple land, reclassifying it as private land.
The long-running scandal dates back to 1969 when temple-bequeathed land was illicitly converted to private status, enabling its commercial sale.
The re-designated land was sold to Alpine companies linked to politicians, then later resold to Pojamarn Shinawatra, wife of former prime minister Thaksin, for 500 million baht.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Today 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.