Pheu Thai MPs warned of election blacklisting if they support Government

13 Sept 14:04 Key points summarised by AI

Pheu Thai MPs face blacklisting from the next election if they vote for the government's 2020 budget bill, a warning issued by opposition chief whip Suthin Klangsaeng.
The opposition dismisses arguments that the budget bill must pass to avoid public impact, asserting that residual 2019 funds and advance budgets can provide temporary financial solutions.
Suthin criticized the 18-hour debate time as insufficient for the opposition, despite the House Speaker clarifying it's the longest ever allotted for a budget bill.
Six key ministries—Agriculture, Commerce, Defence, Finance, Interior, Education—and the Central Fund are slated for intense scrutiny by the opposition during the budget debate.

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.