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Protesters disperse declaring that Thailand’s protests don’t need a leader

13 Sept 07:48 Key points summarised by AI

Thai anti-government protests are adopting a new, decentralized model where every participant is considered "core," eliminating the need for a single leader.
Tens of thousands gathered in Bangkok and across provinces, united by the demand for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's immediate resignation.
Prominent figures, including UDD Chairman Jatuporn Promphan, assert Prayut's resignation is the sole path out of the political crisis, enabling swift constitutional reform.
Demonstrations are largely peaceful, dispersing on time, with organizers strategically withholding future plans to avoid official intervention.
The government's use of chemical-laced water jets against young protesters is widely condemned as violence, intensifying public opposition.

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.