Two ex-UDD core members get 4 years for 2009 ASEAN Summit invasion

13 Sept 11:31 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Supreme Court upheld 4-year prison sentences for former UDD core members Worachai Hema and Samroeng Prajumrua for disrupting the 2009 ASEAN Summit.
The court rejected their guilty plea due to late submission and issued an arrest warrant for a third defendant, Pol Lt-Col Waipote Arporn, who was absent from the verdict reading.

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.