Protesters arrested as police clear road for Wednesday’s Royal motorcade

14 Sept 00:45 Key points summarised by AI

Police arrested nine protesters, including prominent leaders Chatuphat Boonpattharaksa and Ammie, following a clash over road clearance.
The arrests were made as authorities prepared the road for HM the King's motorcade, scheduled to pass through the area on Wednesday.
Protesters refused to move, leading to a confrontation where some threw blue paint at police before being forcibly removed and detained.
Remaining protesters vowed to rally for the release of their colleagues, while royalist groups are also mobilizing to welcome the King's motorcade.

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.