The EC will consider three formulae in party-list seat calculation

13 Sept 20:15 Key points summarised by AI

The Election Commission (EC) will review three distinct formulae to calculate and allocate the 150 party-list seats from the recent election.
The first formula, proposed by the EC and Constitution Drafting Committee, advocates for distributing seats broadly, including to smaller parties that did not meet the standard vote threshold for a single seat.
The second and third formulae, suggested by former election commissioners, propose allocating seats exclusively to parties that garnered a minimum of 71,057 votes, with the third formula introducing a minor difference in decimal fraction handling during calculation.
The selection of the formula is crucial as it directly impacts the final seat distribution, potentially influencing the parliamentary majority and the strength of leading coalitions like the Pheu Thai-led group.

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.