Future Forward wants Charter Court to lift Thanathorn’s suspension order

14 Sept 20:12 Key points summarised by AI

The Future Forward party (FFP) formally requested the Constitutional Court to lift its suspension order against leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and ensure open proceedings for his media ownership case.
FFP Secretary-General Piyabutr Saengkanokkul confirmed Thanathorn, currently overseas on a work trip, will return to defend himself, dismissing rumors of him fleeing.
Thanathorn's defense challenges the Election Commission's (EC) authority to consider media ownership allegations and criticizes its deliberation procedure as inappropriate due to a lack of due process.
The defense further asserts that Thanathorn had divested all shares in V-Luck Media Company by January 8, 2019, and that the company had already ceased its media operations.

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.