5 police charged in murder of Saudi businessman acquitted

13 Sept 12:23 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Supreme Court acquitted five police officers, including a general, in the 1990 abduction and murder of Saudi businessman Mohammad al-Ruwaili.
The court upheld lower court rulings, citing insufficient evidence to prove the defendants' involvement in al-Ruwaili's disappearance.
Al-Ruwaili was reportedly investigating the theft of a 50-carat blue diamond from the Saudi royal family and was apprehended under suspicion of involvement in the unsolved murders of three Saudi diplomats.
The unresolved cases of the missing blue diamond and the diplomat murders have strained relations between Thailand and Saudi Arabia for decades.

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.