Pheu Thai to boycott new debate and voting on budget bill

13 Sept 11:35 Key points summarised by AI

The opposition Pheu Thai party will boycott the upcoming debate and voting on the budget bill's second and third readings, opting only to declare their presence.
The party, feeling it has been cooperative in passing the delayed 3.2 trillion baht budget, blames illegal proxy voting by government MPs for the current delays, following a Constitutional Court ruling that mandated a re-vote.

Civic groups oppose plan to shift Thai PBS, three other bodies to state budget

Yesterday 17:04 Key points summarised by AI

Civic groups, including those representing labourers and older people, submitted a protest letter demanding the Bhumjaithai Party withdraw bills to shift funding for four organizations (Thai PBS, Older Persons Fund, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Sports Authority of Thailand) from earmarked taxes to the central government budget.
Leaders argue these organizations were established for public interest, supporting public service media, elder care, public health, and sports development, and any amendments should consider all stakeholders' views.
Over 70% of parliamentary poll respondents opposed the proposed changes, prompting civic leaders to call on the ruling party to respect the people's will and withdraw the bills.
A network of slum dwellers also opposes the funding changes, threatening a rally if the government fails to address their demands.