Thai PM asks opposition MPs if they know what will happen if he steps down

23 Sept 04:33 Key points summarised by AI

Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha challenged opposition MPs to clarify their demand, asking if they prefer his resignation or the dissolution of the House.
He outlined the constitutional implications for each scenario: his resignation would mean the Cabinet leaves but stays acting until a new PM is elected, while House dissolution would trigger a general election.

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.