Govt legitimacy eroding fast as crackdown on protesters makes global headlines

13 Sept 07:33 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government under Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha faces rapidly eroding legitimacy for ignoring youth-led demands for his resignation, constitutional rewrite, and monarchy reform.
A "grave" state of emergency and subsequent crackdown, including water cannon use on unarmed protesters, have backfired, intensifying the movement and drawing global condemnation.
The suppression has fueled a resilient "leaderless" and "organic" protest movement, with rallies spreading across Bangkok and organized through social media despite numerous arrests.
Experts and civic groups warn that the government's use of force is counterproductive, risks further instability, and negatively impacts the economy, intensifying calls for Prayut's resignation.

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.