Prayut at risk of becoming third PM axed by charter court

13 Sept 06:20 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha faces a Constitutional Court ruling on December 2 over allegations he violated the supreme law by occupying an Army residence post-retirement.
The accusation, brought by the opposition, claims Prayut breached constitutional provisions forbidding ministers from receiving special benefits and failing to comply with ethical standards.
A guilty verdict could result in Prayut's removal from office, making him the third prime minister to be disqualified by the Constitutional Court, following Samak Sundaravej and Yingluck Shinawatra.

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.