Khao San Road to undergo major revamp in the next seven months

14 Sept 03:36 Key points summarised by AI

City Hall is initiating a 48-million baht, seven-month renovation of Bangkok's Khao San Road, aiming to transform it into a premier tourist attraction.
The revamp includes granite repaving, raising the road surface to footpath level, landscaping, and installing adjustable poles to manage one-way traffic.
A significant focus involves rezoning and re-managing 240 pavement stalls, grouping similar vendors, setting operating hours (9 am-9 pm), and allocating one stall per trader via lot drawing to prevent monopolization.
New regulations will enforce two-year contracts for traders, direct payment of rental fees to City Hall, and prohibit push carts from the road.

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.