COVID-19 status as dangerous infectious disease effective from Friday

15 Sept 11:06 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand officially designates COVID-19 as a dangerous infectious disease, empowering authorities with expanded measures to contain its spread, including lockdowns and mandatory treatments.
The Public Health Ministry launched a new online channel, "Dr OK chat box," to manage public inquiries, while emphasizing the social responsibility of international travelers to self-monitor for 14 days or face significant fines for non-compliance.

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.