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Pheu Thai party to seek cut in legal expenses for Chatree gold mine case

13 Sept 18:19 Key points summarised by AI

The opposition Pheu Thai party seeks to cut 389 million baht in legal expenses for the Chatree gold mine case, arguing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who ordered the mine's closure, is not a "state official" qualified to seek such funding.
Pheu Thai MPs criticize the mine's closure via Section 44 as unnecessary and question the government's ability to seek a refund from Prayut if compensation is paid to Kingsgate, due to immunity clauses for his junta actions, though they suggest he could be pursued in his capacity as Prime Minister.

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.