Children evacuated as peat swamp fire threatens school

13 Sept 11:24 Key points summarised by AI

Approximately 20 children and teachers were evacuated from a school in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, as a peat swamp fire flared up nearby, raising concerns about temporary school closure.
Despite surface fires being extinguished, inaccessible subterranean hot spots continue to pose a persistent threat, requiring extensive deployment of firefighters and volunteers.
Another peat swamp fire in Songkhla province, ongoing since August 5th, is threatening farmland and has already destroyed about 90 hectares of peat forest and 18 hectares of oil palm plantations.
Officials are actively combating the blazes by draining water into the swamps and dredging channels to control the persistent fires and mitigate further damage.

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.