Supreme Court’s verdict on 5 UDD core members expected Friday

13 Sept 11:42 Key points summarised by AI

The Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict on Friday for five core members of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).
These individuals face charges for their alleged roles in the 2007 violent siege of the Ban Sisao Thewet government guesthouse.
The verdict has seen multiple postponements due to various reasons, including a defendant's illness, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a recent change of plea to guilty by four of the defendants, which prompted Supreme Court reconsideration.
Earlier, the Criminal Court convicted the five, with sentences later reduced by the Appeals Court, while two other defendants were acquitted.

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.