Bai Lu meet-and-greet cancelled days after China’s safety warning
Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties
Venezuela's Guaido calls for uprising but military loyal to Maduro for now
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Venezuela's Guaido calls for uprising but military loyal to Maduro for now
1 Oct 00:26Key points summarised by AI
Opposition leader Juan Guaido launched a direct appeal for military defection to oust President Nicolas Maduro, marking his boldest attempt to seize power.
Despite Guaido's call and initial clashes in Caracas, the military leadership largely remained loyal to Maduro, who appeared with top defense officials affirming their support.
Large anti-government protests followed, but the attempted uprising failed to gain significant momentum or achieve a power transition, with an uneasy peace returning by afternoon.
The U.S. claimed Maduro was prepared to flee but was persuaded to stay by Russia, underscoring the deep international divisions surrounding Venezuela's leadership.
Guaido reiterated calls for continued street protests, while Maduro declared the opposition's plan a failure, maintaining his grip on power and asserting military control.
Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties
Today 16:46Key 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.