Royalist group rallies to oppose attempt to reform the Thai Monarchy

13 Sept 11:08 Key points summarised by AI

A pro-Monarchy group rallied against proposed constitutional amendments that would impact the Thai Monarchy, specifically targeting a draft by iLaw NGO.
The royalist group alleges iLaw's draft, which seeks to amend chapters on sovereignty and the Monarchy, is foreign-funded and aims to undermine the institution.
Parliament is set to deliberate on seven draft amendments, including the controversial iLaw proposal, on November 17th and 18th.
A motion to refer certain draft amendments to the Constitutional Court for a ruling will be addressed only after the scheduled parliamentary deliberations.
The opposition has urged the government to demonstrate sincerity in the charter amendment process and refrain from employing delaying tactics, such as court referrals.

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.