Pheu Thai MP says vote following censure debate is illegitimate

14 Sept 21:34 Key points summarised by AI

A Pheu Thai MP declared the censure motion vote illegitimate, citing an incomplete debate (Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda remained unchallenged) and the Opposition's lack of a closing statement.
The MP defended the Opposition's walkout, stating it was a protest against the government's use of its majority to violate the Opposition's rights.
The Opposition chief whip apologized to the public for failing to censure Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and five other ministers, acknowledging the unfulfilled objective.
Despite internal disputes over debating time, the chief whip blamed the government's inflexibility for refusing to extend the debate, which prevented former Future Forward MPs from questioning key ministers.

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.