Bai Lu meet-and-greet cancelled days after China’s safety warning
Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties
Facebook, citing virus misinformation, deletes Trump post
AI In-Brief
Thailand News in Brief
Thai PBS World
Thailand and the world, every day
AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.
Facebook, citing virus misinformation, deletes Trump post
14 Sept 03:00Key points summarised by AI
Facebook deleted a post by President Trump for spreading misinformation about the coronavirus, marking its first such action for COVID-19 related content.
The post contained a Fox News video where Trump asserted children are 'virtually immune' to the virus, a claim Facebook deemed false and harmful.
Twitter also temporarily blocked the Trump campaign's account for sharing the identical video, requiring its removal before restoring posting privileges.
While studies suggest children may be less susceptible to severe COVID-19, they are not 'virtually immune' and can still become infected and transmit the virus.
Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties
Today 16:46Key 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.