Parliament urged to ratify UN Convention against enforced disappearance

2 Oct 14:56 Key points summarised by AI

A former national human rights commissioner urges the Thai parliament to ratify the UN Convention against Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance, following the previous assembly's failure to endorse it.
Thailand ranks third in ASEAN with 83 cases of enforced disappearances, including high-profile incidents like Black May and cases in southern Thailand, underscoring the urgency for action.
Despite signing the convention in 2012, the Thai government has repeatedly resisted calls from the UN Working Group to ratify it, while a related domestic bill was stalled in parliament for three years.
Ratifying the UN convention is seen as a vital step to demonstrate Thailand's commitment to protecting individual rights, especially in the absence of a specific national law against enforced disappearance.

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.