Tourists warned not to swim in polluted sea off Pattaya

14 Sept 02:16 Key points summarised by AI

Pattaya City administration advises tourists to avoid swimming, especially off Na Chom Thian beach, due to severe sea pollution.
The sea turned black and emitted a foul smell, traced to untreated wastewater from a defunct 124 billion baht treatment plant.
The plant, abandoned due to a lack of maintenance budget, has been leaking untreated waste into the sea for an extended period.
Despite the warning, local authorities have yet to propose a concrete long-term solution to the ongoing pollution crisis.

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.