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Chiang Mai police refuse to disclose how many protesters they have in custody

14 Sept 20:37 Key points summarised by AI

Chiang Mai authorities restrict access and information: Prison officials denied lecturers and students access to protest leaders Anont Nampa and Prasit Khrutharoj, while police withheld information on the number of detained protesters, citing confidentiality.
Key protester denied bail in Bangkok: The Criminal Court rejected bail for Patiwat Saraiyaem, charged with inciting unrest, citing potential escape risk and severe penalties.
Medical faculty urges peaceful resolution: Siriraj Hospital's Faculty of Medical Science called for peaceful dialogue between protesters and the government, ensuring equal medical treatment for all, regardless of political views.

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.