More royalists in yellow take to the streets

13 Sept 12:47 Key points summarised by AI

Royalist groups across Thailand, donning yellow shirts, rallied to express strong support for the monarchy.
Hundreds gathered in Bangkok, responding to a call from prominent royalist Rienthong Nanna, opposing demands for monarchy reform by anti-government protesters.
Demonstrators proudly displayed royal portraits, sang anthems, and collectively vowed to protect the royal institution.
Similar rallies occurred in multiple provinces, with participants urging authorities to take legal action against those who have criticized the monarchy.

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.