Trump and Biden clash on COVID-19 as they hold rallies in battleground state Florida

13 Sept 09:45 Key points summarised by AI

President Trump downplayed the resurgent pandemic, holding large, often maskless rallies in Florida, while Democratic rival Joe Biden criticized his approach, opting for socially distanced 'drive-in' events and emphasizing the virus's severity.
Both candidates intensely campaigned in Florida, a crucial battleground state with 29 electoral votes, where opinion polls indicated a tight race, highlighting its pivotal role in the upcoming election.
The rallies occurred as Election Day neared, with over 80 million Americans having already cast ballots, and the ongoing pandemic significantly influencing campaign strategies, voter turnout, and public health concerns.

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.