What if Prayut steps down?

14 Sept 02:26 Key points summarised by AI

Anti-government protests demand PM Prayut Chan-o-cha's resignation, prompting speculation on succession despite his unlikelihood to step down.
Should Prayut resign, a new Prime Minister could be chosen from existing party lists, requiring over half of the combined votes from MPs and Senators (376).
Potential successors from party lists include Pheu Thai's Chaikasem Nitisiri and Bhumjaithai's Anutin Charnvirakul, though Prayut's re-appointment is considered counterproductive.
Alternatively, a two-thirds vote (500) from both Houses could allow for a candidate outside party lists, with Palang Pracharath likely nominating figures like General Prawit Wongsuwan or General Anupong Paochinda to retain power.

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.