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12 former UDD leaders imprisoned for 4 years by Supreme Court for disrupting the 2009 ASEAN Summit in Pattaya

15 Sept 00:35 Key points summarised by AI

The Supreme Court upheld four-year prison terms for 12 former core members of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) for their role in the 2009 ASEAN Summit disruption.
The conviction stems from their leadership in orchestrating red-shirt protesters to storm and break up the 14th ASEAN Summit at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort in Pattaya on April 11, 2009.
One defendant was acquitted, while arrest warrants were issued for the 12 convicted leaders, who had previously been granted bail.
Among the convicted is Pol Lt Col Waipote Arpornrat, a current MP, whose arrest requires approval from the House of Representatives due to parliamentary immunity.

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.