PM, DPM Wissanu and Foreign Minister grilled over Philip Morris tax evasion case

14 Sept 00:16 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, DPM Wissanu Krea-ngarm, and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai faced censure over alleged mishandling of a Philip Morris tax evasion case, leading to an estimated 80 billion baht in lost state revenue.
Accusations claim the ministers favored Philip Morris by delaying litigation, invoking special executive power, and amending the Customs Act to significantly reduce the company's fine.
Pheu Thai MP Sarunvuth Sarungate asserted the original fine should have been 84 billion baht, not 1.2 billion, and cited a secret letter from Wissanu and Don recommending a settlement to PM Prayut.
The government's subsequent change in the cigarette tax structure reportedly disadvantaged local producers, allowing foreign cigarettes to capture 55% of the market.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Yesterday 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and Kla Tham leader Capt. Thamanat Prompow ignited widespread speculation about a potential merger between their parties.
The meeting is viewed as a strategic message to coalition partner Pheu Thai, indicating Bhumjaithai's alternative options following Pheu Thai's chief whip's remarks about not fully defending all ministers in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
A direct merger between parties with sitting MPs is currently prohibited by Section 99 of the Constitution until the House's term expires, though MPs can switch parties through dismissal or party dissolution.
These constitutional rules aim to prevent financially strong parties from easily absorbing smaller ones, a practice that historically led to single-party dominance, as seen with Thai Rak Thai's 2005 election victory.