11 protest leaders arrested but only three granted bail

26 Sept 00:52 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Criminal Court granted bail to three anti-government protest leaders, including Baramee Chairat, Mrs. Suwanna Tarnlek, and Korakot Saengyenphan, on condition they avoid seditious acts.
Six other core protest leaders, including rappers Dechathorn Bamrungmuang and Thanayuth na Ayudhya, had their detentions extended, among a total of 11 leaders arrested for their roles in the July 18th protest and facing charges including sedition.

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.