Protesters to camp overnight outside Government House

13 Sept 05:42 Key points summarised by AI

Anti-government protesters breached police blockades after a three-hour stand-off, successfully occupying areas surrounding Government House.
Protest leaders declared an extended occupation, demanding Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's resignation and the adoption of a new constitution.
The march from Democracy Monument saw protesters navigate multiple police lines, culminating in their arrival at Government House with minimal police intervention.

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.