Thaksin gets two years in prison over 2 and 3 digit lottery project

13 Sept 14:43 Key points summarised by AI

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was sentenced in absentia to two years in prison for malfeasance over his government's illegal two and three-digit lottery project.
The Supreme Court found Thaksin ignored warnings about the lottery's illegality, leading to a 1.6 billion baht operating loss for the Government Lottery Office (GLO) and a 20 billion baht withdrawal from reserves.
This conviction adds to Thaksin's previous sentences, including three years for a Thai Exim Bank loan scandal and two years for an alleged conflict of interest in a Ratchadapisek road land deal.

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.