Thailand’s PM tells police to avoid violent means to deal with protesters

13 Sept 22:17 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha instructed police to avoid all forms of violence when dealing with anti-government protesters, pledging to restore peace and normality.
The PM, however, defended a recent forceful dispersal of protesters, claiming police followed international standards and the water used was not dangerous.
The government expressed its readiness to work with all parties to resolve the conflict within legal frameworks and sought public cooperation to restore order.
A district court rejected police requests to continue detaining eight protesters, including prominent leaders, who were subsequently released on bail.
A released protest leader encouraged fellow demonstrators to continue their actions until demands are met, despite his temporary absence from protests.

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.