Pheu Thai cries foul over EC’s endorsement of 149 party-list MPs

13 Sept 08:03 Key points summarised by AI

Pheu Thai vows legal action against the Election Commission (EC) for endorsing 149 party-list MPs, alleging violations in seat allocation rules.
The party asserts that parties receiving fewer than the minimum electoral votes should not be eligible for seats, despite a Constitutional Court ruling on the MP Election Act.
The EC's contentious formula, also challenged by Future Forward, granted seats to 26 parties, including 11 smaller parties with votes below the benchmark, while Pheu Thai received no party-list seats.

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.