Royalists and government supporters will be on Ratchadamnoen Avenue on October 14th

14 Sept 02:47 Key points summarised by AI

On October 14th, anti-government protesters are set to rally at Democracy Monument, while royalists and government supporters will gather along Ratchadamnoen Avenue to greet His Majesty the King’s motorcade.
Authorities will implement a strict security strategy, prohibiting protesters from approaching within 50 meters of Government House and deploying barriers, mirroring previous security measures.
Police plan to be unarmed, focusing on negotiation with protest leaders, and will establish a command center to monitor the situation, despite organizers not yet seeking official rally permission.
Motorists are advised to avoid several central Bangkok roads, including Ratchadamnoen Klang and Pinklao Bridge, due to anticipated traffic disruptions from both planned gatherings.

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.