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Anti-junta activist "Ja New" attacked yet again by unidentified assailants

13 Sept 08:42 Key points summarised by AI

Anti-junta activist Sirawith Seritiwat, known as "Ja New," was seriously injured in Bangkok after being attacked by four unidentified men wielding wooden clubs.
The assailants, wearing full-face crash helmets, ambushed Ja New as he emerged from an alley, then fled on motorcycles, leaving him with severe head and face wounds.
This incident marks another in a series of assaults on Ja New, prompting strong condemnation from the Democracy Restoration Group and the Future Forward party, who demand swift police action and question the lack of arrests in previous attacks.

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.